Washington, DC Rent Control Laws 2026
Maximum rent increase limits and tenant rights information
2026 Rent Increase Limit
Maximum Annual Increase
2% + 3% CPI (capped at 10%) = 5.0%
Under Rent Stabilization Program
Applicable Law
Rent Stabilization Program
DC Code 42-3501
Rent controlled units (1975 or earlier). 2026: Standard tenants: CPI + 2% (max 10%). Elderly/disabled: min(CPI, SS COLAs, 5%). Protected tenants use min(CPI, 5%). 12-month rule and 30-day notice required. Uses Washington-Arlington-Alexandria MSA CPI. Current value needs verification from BLS.
Law Details
- Effective Date
- 1985-01-01
- Increase Type
- cpi + plus_fixed
- Applicable Conditions
Applies to buildings built before 1976
Check if Your Rent Increase is Legal
Use our calculator to verify if your landlord's proposed rent increase complies with Rent Stabilization Program
Check Your Rent Increase →