Home› State Guides› District of Columbia› Property Damage

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Property Damage in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for property damage is generally 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301(3).

3 YEARS
Property Damage · District of Columbia
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Property damage Deadlines in District of Columbia

How long do you have to file a property damage claim in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for property damage is generally 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301(3).

When does the clock start for property damage in District of Columbia?

Three years for injury to real or personal property.

Can the District of Columbia deadline for property damage be extended?

DC runs real and personal property on the same clock, which avoids the split that catches people out in Ohio, Indiana and Hawaii. Injury to real property from toxic substances, including asbestos-containing products, runs five years from discovery under § 12-301(10).

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in District of Columbia?

Often, yes. Written notice to the Mayor within 6 months under D.C. Code § 12-309. Section 12-309 requires written notice to the Mayor of the District of Columbia within six months of the injury or damage before any action for unliquidated damages may be maintained against the District. A police report may satisfy the requirement in some cir…

How does District of Columbia compare to other states for property damage?

District of Columbia's 3 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for property damage ranges from 2 years to 10 years, and 3 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Property Damage Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the property damage deadline in District of Columbia:

01 Vehicle collisions causing property damage
02 Water or fire damage from a neighboring property
03 Construction or excavation damage
04 Damage to stored or personal belongings
05 Trespass-related property destruction
Advertisement
Legal Forms

Other Filing Deadlines in District of Columbia

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed District of Columbia attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in District of Columbia, or compare property damage across all states.
Case Evaluation

Get Help in District of Columbia

Fill out the form below and a legal resource in District of Columbia may be able to assist with your situation.

* Required. Phone, text and email consent are optional.