District of Columbia Laws

This page summarizes ten District of Columbia laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

District of Columbia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In the District of Columbia, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (D.C. Code § 12-301). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

District of Columbia Comparative Negligence Laws

The District of Columbia follows contributory negligence. If you are even slightly at fault for your own injury, even 1%, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party. It is one of only a handful of jurisdictions that still use this strict rule.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

District of Columbia Minimum Wage in 2026

The District of Columbia minimum wage is $18.40 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted every July 1. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

District of Columbia Final Paycheck Laws

In the District of Columbia, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next business day. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

District of Columbia Small Claims Court Limits

In the District of Columbia, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the D.C. Superior Court, Small Claims and Conciliation Branch. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

District of Columbia Security Deposit Laws

The District of Columbia security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 45 days (with up to 30 more days to itemize if the landlord gave notice of intent to withhold). Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

District of Columbia Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in the District of Columbia, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 30 days' written notice of past-due rent before filing. An eviction for nonpayment generally cannot be filed unless at least $600 is owed. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

District of Columbia Small Estate Affidavit

The District of Columbia small estate limit: $40,000. Waiting period after death: 60 days. Real estate: no; a court small estate procedure is available. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does District of Columbia Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Yes. The District of Columbia recognizes common law marriage. A valid common law marriage is a full legal marriage, so ending it requires a divorce. Proof usually includes an agreement to be married, living together and presenting yourselves to others as spouses.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

District of Columbia Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in the District of Columbia: 6 months of bona fide residence before filing. Waiting period: no separation requirement since January 26, 2024. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

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This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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