If you’ve dipped even a toe into the world of renting out property in Washington, DC, you’ve probably encountered the phrase rent control—usually whispered like a secret, muttered with confusion, or exclaimed during a mild panic attack.
But don’t worry. rent control in DC doesn’t have to feel like trying to assemble furniture with instructions in ancient hieroglyphics. With a little clarity (and maybe a good cup of coffee), you can figure out exactly where your property stands—and more importantly, how to stay on the right side of the law and on the good side of your bank account.
Today, we’re breaking down the rules, giving you real-world guidance, and adding a little charm along the way. Because understanding DC Rent Control shouldn’t feel like punishment. And for property owners, this knowledge is pure power.
First Things First: What Is Rent Control in DC?
DC’s rent control laws are part of the Rental Housing Act, a set of rules designed to keep rental housing affordable by limiting how much landlords can increase rent each year. These limits aren’t random—they’re tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a.k.a. the measure of inflation.
For most rent-controlled units, annual increases can only be:
- CPI for elderly or disabled tenants
- CPI + 2% for general tenants
That means you can’t just bump rent by whatever amount sounds good after your morning coffee. You must follow the guidelines.
If you want the full legal breakdown, DC has it. But if you prefer things in plain English—you’re in the right place.
Is Your DC Rental Subject to Rent Control? Here’s the Quick-Check List
Let’s get to the juicy part: figuring out whether your property is covered.
In DC, a rental unit is likely subject to rent control if these are true:
✔️ The age of the property
✔️ You have five or more rental units
✔️ Some ownership structures may negate exemption status
✔️ It’s not registered as exempt for any special reason
And that’s the checklist in a nutshell—but the details matter. A lot.
So let’s dig deeper.
Exemption #1: The “Small Landlord Exemption” (aka the Favorite Child)
If you’re an individual or family who owns four or fewer rental units in DC, you may qualify for this exemption—as long as the ownership is in your personal name (or revocable trust).
Translation: If your properties are under an LLC, partnership, or corporate structure, you likely won’t qualify under this specific exemption.
This is one of the most important distinctions owners miss. And misunderstandings don’t just cause headaches—they cause fines.
Want to check your rental category? EJF Rentals offers guidance at:
👉 https://www.ejfrentals.com/owner-resources
Exemption #2: The “1995 Rule”
If your building received its first certificate of occupancy after December 31, 1975, it is exempt from rent control.
Think of this as the “newish construction pass.”
If your building is newer, you’re most likely in the clear. But if you don’t know the certificate of occupancy date? Time to look it up—or ask a property manager who can decipher all those records without crying.
Exemption #3: Subsidized, Nonprofit, or Federally Regulated Properties
Properties operated by certain nonprofits or those receiving federal housing subsidies can fall outside the rent control requirements.
But the rules here can get… complicated.
If your property is part of a larger portfolio or mission-driven organization, take a closer look. You might already be exempt without knowing it.
Exemption #4: Newly Renovated Units Under Certain Programs
Some properties that undergo major rehab or redevelopment may qualify for temporary exemptions or special rent increases. But these aren’t automatic—DC must approve them.
If you’ve put in major work and think you might qualify, professional guidance is essential.
EJF explains more about navigating approvals and filings at:
👉 https://www.ejfrentals.com/blog
So What Happens If Your Property Is Subject to Rent Control?
Good news: it’s manageable. You just have to follow the rules.
You’ll Be Subject to:
1. Annual Rent Increase Limitations
You must follow the CPI-based formula—but you must also file a Rent Increase Registration Form with the Rent Administrator.
2. Proper Notices
You must give tenants 30 days’ notice in writing before a rent increase. And it must follow a specific legal format.
3. Registration with DHCD
All rent-controlled units must be registered every year—even if you don’t raise the rent.
Miss a step, and DC can invalidate your rent increase—or assess penalties.
Where Most Property Owners Slip Up: Common Misconceptions
Myth #1: “I only raised the rent by a small amount, so I don’t need paperwork.”
Nope. Even small increases must be filed.
Myth #2: “This property used to be exempt, so it still is.”
Exemptions aren’t foerever—especially when ownership changes.
Myth #3: “The tenant won’t care.”
Until they do. And then they go to the Office of the Tenant Advocate.
Myth #4: “This seems simple enough to DIY.”
It can be, but landlords run into trouble because DC’s rental laws rely heavily on filing, timing, and record-keeping. It’s not intuitive unless you do it every day.
And guess who does it every day?
Property managers.
Why This Matters for Owners: Compliance Protects Your Investment
Rent control isn’t meant to punish property owners—it’s meant to stabilize the housing market. But misunderstanding the rules can:
- Reduce your cash flow
- Void legally allowed rent increases
- Trigger expensive legal disputes
- Result in government penalties
You worked hard to acquire your property. It deserves management that protects its value—not management that accidentally breaks laws by filing a form too late.
How to Confirm Your Property’s Status (Without Losing a Weekend)
Here’s how to verify with confidence:
Step 1: Check the Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable)
Find out when the building was officially completed or approved for occupancy.
Step 2: Identify Ownership Structure
Is the property owned individually? Jointly? Under an LLC?
Ownership determines whether certain exemptions apply.
Step 3: Confirm the Total Number of Units You Own in DC
If you own more than four units, the small landlord exemption likely rolled off the table.
Step 4: Review Previous Registrations
If the prior owner didn’t register correctly, you may inherit their issues.
Step 5: Verify Tenant Categories
Elderly or disabled tenants may fall under different increase limits.
And finally—
Step 6: When in Doubt, Work With a Professional
(There’s a reason even experienced landlords rely on experts.)
EJF offers insights and resources specifically for DC property owners:
👉 https://www.ejfrentals.com/property-management-dc
What If You Want to Raise the Rent?
If your property is rent controlled, you can still raise the rent—just within the rules.
Here’s the basic checklist:
✔️ You’ve registered the unit
✔️ You haven’t raised rent in the past 12 months
✔️ Your planned increase matches CPI (or CPI + 2%)
✔️ You served proper written notice
✔️ You filed the correct Rent Increase Form
Miss any of these, and that increase could be invalided.
