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District of Columbia · D.C. Code § 42-3502.17

Public Records / FOIA Request in Washington, District of Columbia

Answer a few plain-English questions and get a professional FOIA records request letter written from your perspective, grounded in District of Columbia law. Your first letter is free — no credit card.

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District of Columbia law at a glance

Response deadline
45 days
Max damages
3x
Small claims limit
$10,000
Statute
D.C. Code § 42-3502.17

Landlord must return the deposit within 45 days with an itemized statement. Tenant may recover 3x the withheld amount for bad-faith retention.

What you'll need

  • A clear description of the records you want
  • Relevant date ranges
  • The agency's records custodian address
  • A fee-waiver justification if applicable

When to send it

  1. Day 0
    Narrow the request so the agency cannot call it overbroad.
  2. Day 1
    Send the request to the designated records custodian.
  3. 5-20 business days
    Statutory response window depending on jurisdiction.
  4. If denied
    File the administrative appeal citing the exemptions test.

How it works in Washington

STEP 1
Tell us what happened
Answer short questions about your public records / foia request in Washington, DC. No legal wording required.
STEP 2
AI drafts your letter
Your answers are mapped to District of Columbia statutes such as D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 and written in your own voice.
STEP 3
Download and send
Get your letter instantly, then send it certified mail. Most disputes settle before court.

Uses the FOIA / Records Request template — Demand public records from a federal, state, or local agency.

What happened when other people sent theirs

“I'd written off my deposit completely. The letter cited the exact statute and the deadline they'd blown — I had a check nine days later.”
Marcus T. · Recovered $1,850 from a former landlord
“I had no idea how to word any of this. I answered a few questions and got something that actually sounded like it came from an attorney's office.”
Priya R. · Billing dispute resolved in two weeks
“Sent it certified mail like the timeline said. They called me the day it was delivered and reversed the charge.”
Danielle W. · Charge reversed after one letter

Submitted directly by AI Dispute Engine customers. Last names shortened for privacy. Outcomes vary — no result is guaranteed.

Public Records / FOIA Request FAQs — Washington, DC

Do I have to say why I want the records?

No. Public records laws generally do not require a reason.

What if they demand huge fees?

Ask for an itemized fee estimate and request a public-interest fee waiver.

Does this public records / foia request letter work in Washington, DC?

Yes. Your letter is generated against District of Columbia law, including D.C. Code § 42-3502.17, and formatted for delivery to a recipient in Washington.

What is the small claims limit near Washington?

District of Columbia caps small claims at $10,000, and the statutory response window is 45 days with damages up to 3x.

Other disputes in Washington

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