Rent control · Washington, DC · Rental Housing Act of 1985 — Rent Stabilization Program

Washington DC Rent Control 2026: Rent Stabilization Program Rules

The District's Rent Stabilization Program covers most rental units built before 1976 whose owner holds five or more rental units in DC. The annual cap is the CPI-W change plus 2%, never more than 10% (temporary lower caps were set for 2024–25); for tenants who are elderly or have a disability it is CPI only, capped at 5%. Landlords must file rent increases with the Rental Accommodations Division and can take one increase per 12 months.

CPI + 2%annual cap (max 10%)

pre-1976covered buildings

5+ unitslandlord portfolio

CPI onlyelderly / disabled

Covered and exempt

Covered: buildings with a certificate of occupancy before 1976, owned by a landlord with 5 or more rental units in DC
Exempt (after filing a claim): landlords with 4 or fewer units, buildings built after 1975, subsidized housing
An exemption must be registered with RAD to be valid

Rules that ride along

One increase per 12 months; 30 days' notice on the RAD form
Vacancy: the rent may rise to the higher of 10% or the rent of a comparable unit
Hardship, capital improvement and voluntary-agreement petitions allow larger increases with RAD approval

Frequently asked

How do I know if my unit is rent-stabilized?

Ask the landlord for the RAD registration/exemption number or search the DHCD Rent Control Housing Database.

Related

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Last reviewed September 15, 2026 against DC DHCD — Rent Control. Figures we re-check each year: Cap in effect for May 2026 – April 2027. General information for landlords and renters, not legal advice; local rules can add requirements.