Washington, D.C. Debt Collection Laws

Debt Collector Harassment Claims in Washington, D.C. | Serving PA, NJ, NY, MD & DC

Short answer. Consumers in the District of Columbia are protected by the federal FDCPA and by D.C.’s own debt collection law, D.C. Code § 28-3814, which was strengthened in 2023 and can reach creditors as well as collection agencies. Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com.

Last updated October 13, 2026.

Tell Us What the Debt Collector Did

Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com or use the form below. Tell us who is collecting, what they did and when, the state you live in, and whether you have been sued. Do not send documents through this website. We will reply with what we need.

    Key Takeaways

    • D.C. Code § 28-3814 sets rules for collecting consumer debts in the District.
    • The D.C. law can reach creditors as well as third-party collectors.
    • Consumers can recover damages, and the court may award attorney’s fees.
    • The time limit to sue on most debts is generally 3 years.

    D.C. Debt Collection Law

    D.C. law forbids threats, harassment, false statements and unfair practices in collecting consumer debts, and sets its own notice and documentation rules. Amendments effective January 1, 2023 expanded the law, including rules on communications and on old debts.

    What Can You Recover?

    D.C. law allows a consumer to recover damages for violations, and the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to a consumer who wins. These claims can be brought together with FDCPA claims.

    Collection Lawsuits in D.C.

    Many collection suits are filed in the Small Claims Branch of D.C. Superior Court. You must appear on the date in the notice. If you do not, the court can enter a default judgment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long can a collector sue me in D.C.?

    Generally 3 years for most contract debts.

    Does D.C. law cover my original creditor?

    In many cases yes. D.C.’s debt collection law is not limited to third-party collection agencies.

    Email Us About a Debt Collector

    Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com with the name of the collector, what happened and when, and the state you live in. The first conversation is free. All fees and costs are set out in a written engagement letter. Attorney Michael A. Siddons represents consumers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and the firm has handled hundreds of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act cases.

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