Is it legal for a landlord or rental office to take 30 to 40 days to give a security deposit refund check to a tenant?

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Is it legal for a landlord or rental office to take 30 to 40 days to give a security deposit refund check to a tenant?

The rental office said they would mail the check but the tenant is moving to a southern state. She feels she will not get her deposit back.

Asked on June 23, 2015 under Real Estate Law, District of Columbia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

Under the law in that jurisdiction (D.C.), the landlord has 45 days to return the deposit, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. The landlord may return it earlier, of course, but is not required to do so by law and has not violated any law by waiting up to the full 45 days.


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