District of Columbia · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in the District of Columbia: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for the District of Columbia, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in the District of Columbia

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$10,000
Court
Small Claims Branch
Filing fee
$5–$45
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in the District of Columbia

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
45 days (or a notice, then 30 more)
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
10 days
Notice before the landlord enters
48 hours

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in the District of Columbia

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
DC Department of Employment Services
Minimum wage (2026)
$18.40
Final paycheck if fired
See the rules
Deadline to file a wage claim
3 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in the District of Columbia

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
24 mo / 18,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · 1 if unsafe · 30 days
Covers used cars
Yes
Before you sue
Required

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in the District of Columbia

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
April 1 (OTR first-level review)
Where you appeal first
OTR First-Level Administrative Review
Median effective tax rate
0.58%
Median yearly tax on a home
$4,312

Closed for 2026As of October 21, 2026, the Tax Year 2027 first-level window closed on April 1, 2026, and the usual September 30 RPTAC cutoff has passed. The next window opens when Tax Year 2028 notices arrive (by March 1, 2027); first-level appeals for that year are due April 1, 2027. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in the District of Columbia

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
$91,950
Homestead deadline
See the guide
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
$445,000

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in the District of Columbia

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
District of Columbia Unclaimed Property
Held by the state
See the guide
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in the District of Columbia

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months (with exceptions)
Waiting period
No set waiting period
Filing fee
Check with your court

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in the District of Columbia

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in the District of Columbia
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit45 days (or a notice, then 30 more)Tenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent10 daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim3 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedSee the rulesWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period24 mo / 18,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineAny lawsuit under the D.C. lemon law must be filed within 4 years of the original delivery of the vehicle to the consumer (D.C. Code § 50-507(b)).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealApril 1 (OTR first-level review)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSee the guideExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 months (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodNo set waiting periodDivorce Law Map

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