Do you have the right to a move-in inspection in District of Columbia? Learn how to document your apartment at move-in to protect your security deposit under D.C. Code §42-3502.17.
Analyze My District of Columbia Claim (Free)Law verified March 1, 2026
Find out if your District of Columbia landlord may owe you. free, 2 minutes
Check My DepositDocumenting your apartment at move-in is one of the most important steps to protect your security deposit in District of Columbia. Under D.C. Code §42-3502.17, landlords must return deposits or provide itemized deductions within 45 days — but what they can deduct depends heavily on the unit's condition at move-in. Without move-in documentation, it becomes your word against your landlord's about pre-existing damage.
Timestamped video is more powerful than photos alone. Walk through every room, narrating the condition out loud. Send a copy to your landlord by email immediately after move-in.
Request a move-in inspection before or on your first day
Document every room with timestamped photos and video
Complete a written move-in checklist — note every scratch, stain, and imperfection
Get landlord to sign the checklist, or email it to them immediately
Store copies in the cloud (Google Drive, email) — not just on your phone
Legal Reference
Wear & Tear ProtectedQuestions
Your District of Columbia landlord has 45 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by D.C. Code §42-3502.17.
If your landlord misses the 45-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under D.C. Code §42-3502.17(c), even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.
No. District of Columbia law under D.C. Code §42-3502.17 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
Documenting your apartment at move-in is critical in District of Columbia. Whether or not a formal walk-through is required by law, a thorough move-in inspection with timestamped photos and a written checklist is your best protection against false damage claims when you move out.
Document every room with timestamped photos and video. Note every scratch, stain, and defect on a written checklist. Email the checklist to your landlord immediately after move-in and keep a copy. This record is critical if your landlord later tries to charge you for pre-existing damage under D.C. Code §42-3502.17.
More District of Columbia Topics
Free analysis | District of Columbia law | 2 minutes
Check My District of Columbia Deposit (Free)