District of Columbia Statewide Rule

District of Columbia Rent Increase Notice and Rent Control

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

D.C. requires at least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase under D.C. Code § 42-3509.04, and rent for the roughly 90,000 rent-controlled units may rise only once per 12 months, tied to the CPI-based adjustment of general applicability. Elderly and disabled tenants receive an even lower cap.

Key Facts

Notice before increase: 60 days' written notice (§ 42-3509.04)
Frequency limit: Once per 12 months for rent-controlled units (§ 42-3502.08)
Standard cap: CPI-W + 2%, max 10% (4.1% for RC year 2026)
Elderly/disabled cap: Lesser of general adjustment, SS COLA, or 5% (2.1% for 2026)

Last verified: 2026-06-27

Full Breakdown

Under D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b), no rent increase is effective 'until the first day on which rent is normally paid occurring more than 60 calendar days after the notice of the increase is given to the tenant.' For rent-controlled units, § 42-3502.08 bars any increase 'until a full 12 months have elapsed since any prior increase,' and the increase is capped at the adjustment of general applicability — CPI-W plus 2%, never exceeding 10%. For elderly tenants and tenants with a disability, § 42-3502.24 limits increases to the least of the general adjustment, the Social Security COLA, or 5%. For rent-control year 2026 the Rental Housing Commission set 4.1% for standard units and 2.1% for elderly/disability tenants.

Violations & Penalties

Charging an unlawful or improperly noticed increase is a rent-control violation; a tenant may file a petition with the Rental Accommodations Division and recover the rent overcharge, and willful violations can carry treble damages and civil fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must a D.C. landlord give before raising rent?

At least 60 days' written notice. Under D.C. Code § 42-3509.04, no increase takes effect until the first normal rent day more than 60 calendar days after the tenant is given notice.

How much can rent go up on a rent-controlled D.C. unit?

Generally the CPI-W plus 2%, capped at 10%, and no more than once every 12 months. For elderly or disabled tenants the cap is the lesser of that adjustment, the Social Security COLA, or 5%.

Sources

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