District of Columbia rental inspection report template

District of Columbia rules for this report

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• When the tenancy ends, the housing provider asks the tenant for a forwarding mailing address or e-mail address for the notices about the depositD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (e) (1)
• Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the housing provider notifies the tenant in writing, in person, by e-mail or by certified mail to the forwarding address, of any amounts claimed: unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or the cost of removing furnishings and items the tenant leftD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (e) (2) (A) · D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate, Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25), item 4
• The notice includes photographs or other documentation supporting each amount claimed, a statement of the tenant's right to dispute it, and the housing provider's contact informationD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (e) (2) (B)
• The tenant has 30 calendar days after the notice is served to dispute the amounts, with any evidence that an amount is wrong or wrongly attributed; the housing provider answers in writing within 10 days of receiving itD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (e) (3)
• Within 30 days after that initial notice, the housing provider returns the balance of the security depositD.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate, Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25), item 4 (citing 14 DCMR 308-311)
• No part of the deposit may be kept for items damaged by ordinary wear and tear, meaning deterioration from the intended use of the unit, including breakage or malfunction due to age; deterioration from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, family or guests is not wear and tearD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (c) (1) and (3) · D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate, Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25), item 4
• A lease promise to leave the premises in good repair does not oblige the tenant to make substantial repairs, replace obsolete materials, or fix defects that are not the tenant's faultD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (c) (2)
• The housing provider keeps proof that the tenant was served with the notice for at least 60 days before sending any unpaid amount to a debt collectorD.C. Code s. 42-3502.17 (e) (4)

What is in it

• Entry and hallwaysWalls and ceiling, Floor, Doors and locks, Lights and switches
• Living and dining areasWalls and ceiling, Floor and carpet, Windows, screens and coverings, Outlets, lights and switches
• KitchenStove, oven and range hood, Refrigerator and freezer, Dishwasher, Sink, faucet and drain, Counters and cabinets, Walls, ceiling and floor
• BedroomsWalls and ceilings, Floors and carpet, Windows, screens and coverings, Closets and doors
• BathroomsToilet, Tub, shower, grout and caulking, Sink, vanity and mirror, Exhaust fan, Walls, ceiling and floor
• Laundry and utilityWasher and dryer, Heating, cooling and thermostat, Water heater
• Safety devicesSmoke alarms tested, Carbon monoxide alarms tested, Fire extinguisher
• Exterior, parking and storageBalcony, patio or yard, Parking or garage, Storage
• Keys, fobs and remotesItem, Quantity, Notes

Rules last reviewed October 10, 2026. Read the full District of Columbia rental inspection report requirements.