Statutory cap, exemptions, and notice rules under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985)
Enter your current monthly rent. The calculator applies the 5% cap (DC Metro CPI + 2% (max 10%)) to show the maximum new rent allowed under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985).
* This calculator applies the 5.0% 2025 cap published for District of Columbia (DC Metro Area CPI-U, 2024 annual (BLS)). Exempt units (new construction, SFH not owned by corps, condos) may be raised without limit. Not legal advice.
DC rent stabilization applies to covered units (generally buildings built before 1976 with 5+ units). Annual increases are capped at CPI + 2%, with a maximum of 10%. The DC Office of the Tenant Advocate publishes the current allowable increase each year.
At the statewide median gross rent of $1,954/month, the 5.0% cap translates to a maximum increase of $98/month ($1,172/year) for a median-rent unit.
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide cap | DC Metro CPI + 2% (max 10%) (max 10%) | D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985) |
| 2025 maximum increase | 5.0% | DC Metro Area CPI-U, 2024 annual (BLS) |
| Notice required | Typically 30–60 days written notice | State landlord-tenant law |
| Retaliation prohibited | Yes — increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory | Federal Fair Housing Act + state law |
Even where a cap applies, the following unit types are typically not covered:
If your unit is exempt, the landlord may raise rent to any market-rate amount with proper notice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985), the maximum allowed rent increase in District of Columbia is DC Metro CPI + 2% (max 10%). For 2025, using the published CPI of 3%, the maximum is 5%. Exemptions apply — check whether your unit is a covered dwelling.
Yes — District of Columbia has enacted statewide rent stabilization under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985).
In District of Columbia, landlords must generally provide at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants. For covered units under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985), any increase above the allowable cap requires proper written notice and may require additional disclosures.
The cap under D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985) applies to most residential rental units, but there are important exemptions: Buildings constructed after 1975; Single-family homes and condos; Vacant units (landlord may reset rent to market on vacancy — "vacancy decontrol"); Units subsidized under federal programs where rent is set by HUD. If your unit is exempt, the landlord may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Statutory data sourced from published District of Columbia law (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (Rental Housing Act of 1985)), BLS Consumer Price Index (2024–2025), and state agency publications. Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates for median rent. Last updated April 29, 2026. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
