How much can a landlord raise rent in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., most older apartments are rent stabilized. From May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 their rent may rise by at most 4.1% a year (2.1% for registered elderly or disabled tenants), once every 12 months, with at least 60 days' written notice. Buildings built after 1975 and small owners who claim an exemption are not capped.
Law checked against the statute text and official sources on November 7, 2026. Last site change: November 7, 2026 (changelog).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Washington, D.C.?
For rent-stabilized units the annual increase is the CPI-W adjustment plus 2%, never more than 10% (D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.06, 42-3502.08(h)). For Rent Control Year 2026 (May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027) the cap is 4.1%. For registered elderly or disabled tenants it is the lowest of the general adjustment, the Social Security COLA or 5%: 2.1% for 2026 (§ 42-3502.24). Exempt: units built under permits issued after December 31, 1975, subsidized units, and natural-person owners of four or fewer units who file a claim of exemption, among others (§ 42-3502.05).
Local rent control
- One program for the whole District, run by the Rental Accommodations Division (DHCD) and the Rental Housing Commission. The temporary 6%/4% caps of 2023–2025 no longer apply.
How much notice is required?
An increase takes effect no earlier than the first rent due date more than 60 days after the tenant receives written notice (D.C. Code § 42-3509.04). The notice must show the current rent, the new rent and the utilities included (§ 42-3502.08(f)).
How often can rent go up?
Once every 12 months (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(g)). When a unit becomes vacant the rent may rise by 10%, or 20% if the previous tenant stayed more than ten years (§ 42-3502.13).
During a fixed-term lease
Not allowed while a valid written lease fixes the rent for its term (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(e)).
Retaliatory increases
Retaliation, including an unlawful rent increase, is prohibited. It is presumed if the tenant took a protected action within six months before, and the landlord can rebut it only with clear and convincing evidence (D.C. Code § 42-3505.02).
Other rules to know
- No increase is allowed unless the unit is registered, licensed and substantially complies with the housing code (§ 42-3502.08(a)).
- Late fees are capped at 5% of the rent and may be charged only after five days, once per late payment (§ 42-3505.31).
District of Columbia Fair Market Rents 2027 by county →
Sources: DC Office of the Tenant Advocate: 2026 rent increase caps · D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 · § 42-3502.05 · § 42-3502.06 · § 42-3502.24 · § 42-3502.13 · § 42-3509.04 · § 42-3505.02