District of Columbia Rent Increase Questions (2026)

District of Columbia caps annual rent increases at about 10% and requires 30 days' written notice. Tap a question for the full plain-English answer.

• Can my landlord raise my rent in District of Columbia?

  Yes — in District of Columbia your landlord can raise your rent, but not by more than about 10% per year, and only after giving you 30 days' written notice.

• How much can rent be raised in District of Columbia?

  Most rent increases in District of Columbia are limited to about 10% per year for covered units. If your rent was $2,000, that means the most it could go up in one year is roughly $200.

• How much notice is required for a rent increase in District of Columbia?

  District of Columbia requires at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase can start on a month-to-month tenancy. Verbal notice is not enough.

• Is a 10% rent increase legal in District of Columbia?

  In District of Columbia a 10% increase is generally within the legal range (the cap is 10%), as long as you get 30 days' written notice.

• Can my landlord raise rent without notice in District of Columbia?

  No. District of Columbia requires at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase can start. If no notice was delivered, the new amount is generally not owed.

• Can my landlord raise rent during my lease in District of Columbia?

  Generally no. In District of Columbia, a fixed-term lease locks in the rent until the lease ends. A mid-lease increase is only allowed if your lease contains a specific clause allowing it.

• What if my rent increase is illegal in District of Columbia?

  You generally do not owe the unlawful portion. Save the notice, respond in writing citing District of Columbia's 10% cap and 30-day rule, and contact a local tenant-rights or legal-aid organization.

• Is there rent control in District of Columbia?

  Yes — District of Columbia has statewide rent control that caps annual increases at about 10% for most covered units.

• How often can rent be raised in District of Columbia?

  In District of Columbia, rent can generally be raised only once every 12 months for units covered by the 10% cap. Month-to-month tenants can also see increases with 30 days' written notice.

• Can my landlord raise rent after my lease ends in District of Columbia?

  Yes. When your lease ends in District of Columbia, your landlord can offer a renewal at a new rent, generally not more than 10% higher for covered units, as long as they give you 30 days' written notice.

Not legal advice. Consult a licensed District of Columbia attorney for a binding opinion on your specific situation.