Not legal advice. This site is a general reference for landlords. Laws change, and local rules, lease terms, and individual facts matter. Always check the official source linked on each fact, and talk to a licensed attorney in your state before you act.

Washington, DC local landlord rules

2 of 3 topics verified

State law also applies. See District of Columbia landlord-tenant law.

Quick facts

TopicAt a glance
Rent control / stabilizationRent-stabilized units, May 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027: increases are capped at 4.1% (CPI-W 2.1% + 2%), or 2.1% for tenants who have registere…
Rental licensing / registrationAll rental units must be registered with DHCD's Rental Accommodations Division (via RentRegistry), either as rent-controlled or as exempt.
Just-cause evictionNot yet verified

Details & sources

Rent control / stabilization

Rent-stabilized units, May 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027: increases are capped at 4.1% (CPI-W 2.1% + 2%), or 2.1% for tenants who have registered elderly or disability status. Common exemptions include units built after 1975 and natural-person owners with no more than 4 units in DC.

Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.06, -3502.08 (Rental Housing Commission notice) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Rental licensing / registration

All rental units must be registered with DHCD's Rental Accommodations Division (via RentRegistry), either as rent-controlled or as exempt. Unregistered units are automatically subject to rent control.

Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. (DHCD) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Just-cause eviction

Not yet verified

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