District of Columbia: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 9 topic we track for District of Columbia on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how District of Columbia compares.

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Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Property division · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Security deposit rules · Eviction notice rules · Property tax rates

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Property damage	3 years

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000
Filing fee	$5, $10 or $45
Lawyers	Required for corporate plaintiffs

Property division

System	Equitable distribution
Opt-in community property	No

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	One-bite rule
Details	One-bite rule, with many exceptions

Shared fault rules

Rule	Contributory negligence (51% bar for pedestrians and cyclists)
When you are barred	Barred at 1% fault; pedestrians and cyclists barred only at 51%+

Security deposit rules Single detailed source

Maximum deposit	1 month's rent
Return deadline	45 days to refund or give notice of withholding

Eviction notice rules Checked on official source

Notice before filing	10 days' written notice before filing, only if $600 or more is owed

Property tax rates Under review

Effective rate	0.60%
On a $300,000 home	$1,800 a year