Rent increase rules in District of Columbia

District of Columbia caps annual rent increases at 4.1% for 2026 (CPI-W + 2%, max 10%, for rent-stabilized units; elderly/disabled tenants: lesser of CPI-W, Social Security COLA, or 5% (Rental Housing Act of 1985)). Exemptions: Buildings first occupied after 1975; buildings with 4 or fewer units owned by a natural person (small-landlord exemption); federally or District-subsidized units. (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985))

At least 30 days' written notice before any rent increase (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(f); RAD form required for stabilized units); only one increase per 12 months on stabilized units. (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985))

No — as everywhere in the US, a fixed-term lease locks the rent unless the lease itself contains an escalation clause. Increases take effect at renewal or on periodic (month-to-month) tenancies with the notice above.

Rent Control Year 2026 (May 1, 2026-Apr 30, 2027): 4.1% standard (CPI-W 2.1% + 2%), 2.1% for registered elderly/disability tenants. Cap applies only to covered (rent-stabilized) units, not exempt market-rate housing.