Washington, DC Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Washington, DC, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Annual cap
- CPI-W change, max 10%
- Exempt buildings
- 4 or fewer units, ≤4 owners
- Exempt new construction
- Permitted after Dec. 31, 1975
- Increase frequency
- No more than once per 12 months
- Willful violation fine
- Up to $5,000 per violation
Summary
Washington, D.C. runs a citywide rent stabilization program that caps most landlords' annual rent increases to the change in the CPI-W, with a hard 10% ceiling, though small buildings of four or fewer units are exempt.
On an annual basis, the Rental Housing Commission shall determine an adjustment of general applicability in the rent charged established by subsection (a) of this section. This adjustment of general applicability shall be equal to the change during the previous calendar year... in the... Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for all items... No adjustment of general applicability shall exceed 10%.
Full Breakdown
Under the Rental Housing Act, rent ceilings as such are abolished, but covered rental units remain subject to an annual "adjustment of general applicability" set by the Rental Housing Commission each year, tied to the D.C.-area CPI-W and capped at 10%, with increases barred more than once every 12 months. Coverage excludes housing accommodations of four or fewer units owned by no more than four natural persons, buildings permitted after December 31, 1975, and federally or District-subsidized units. The DHCD Rental Accommodations Division and Rent Administrator enforce registration and increase notices.
Violations & Fines
Knowingly overcharging rent above the allowable amount triggers liability for the overcharge (treble in bad faith) plus a possible rent rollback; willful violations, including collecting a disapproved increase, draw civil fines up to $5,000 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all rental housing in D.C. rent-controlled?
How much can rent go up each year under rent control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia rental property rules overview
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