What's the maximum rent increase in Washington, DC for May 2026 – April 2027?
4.1%
For rent-controlled units in Washington, DC, the maximum standard increase is 4.1% from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027, or 2.1% for registered elderly or disabled tenants.
- In effect
- May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
- Next change
- May 1, 2027
- Set by
- DC Rental Housing Commission; Rental Accommodations Division (DHCD) · District law
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
4.1% for most rent-controlled units in Rent Control Year 2026. 2.1% if the tenant is 62+ or has a disability and has registered that status.
How the Washington, DC cap is calculated
CPI-W + 2% (max 10%); elderly/disabled: lowest of CPI-W, COLA, 5%
CPI-W for the Washington area + 2%, or 10%, whichever is less. For registered elderly and disabled tenants: the least of CPI-W, the Social Security COLA, or 5%. For 2026, CPI-W rose 2.1% (average index 310.091 in 2024 to 316.682 in 2025, BLS series CWURS35ASA0) and the COLA was 2.8%.
Law: Rental Housing Act of 1985 (rent stabilization).
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Non-exempt rental units in the District; every unit must be registered as covered or exempt in the RentRegistry
Main exemptions & conditions
- Federally or District-subsidized units
- Units built after 1975
- Units owned by a natural person (not a corporation) who owns no more than four rental units in DC
- Units vacant when the Act took effect
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: Increases must be filed in the RentRegistry (required for increases effective on or after December 1, 2025).
Next change: The RHC publishes the Rent Control Year 2027 figures in early 2027 (the 2026 notice came out on February 2, 2026). They take effect May 1, 2027.
Official sources
“In general, a tenant’s rent may not go up by more than 4.1% this year, unless the housing provider has special approval.”
“the maximum standard rent increase for Rent Control Year 2026 will be 2.1%”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in Washington, DC for May 2026 – April 2027?
For rent-controlled units in Washington, DC, the maximum standard increase is 4.1% from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027, or 2.1% for registered elderly or disabled tenants.
How is the Washington, DC rent cap calculated?
CPI-W for the Washington area + 2%, or 10%, whichever is less. For registered elderly and disabled tenants: the least of CPI-W, the Social Security COLA, or 5%. For 2026, CPI-W rose 2.1% (average index 310.091 in 2024 to 316.682 in 2025, BLS series CWURS35ASA0) and the COLA was 2.8%.
Which rentals are exempt from the Washington, DC cap?
Federally or District-subsidized units. Units built after 1975. Units owned by a natural person (not a corporation) who owns no more than four rental units in DC.
When does the Washington, DC rent cap change next?
The RHC publishes the Rent Control Year 2027 figures in early 2027 (the 2026 notice came out on February 2, 2026). They take effect May 1, 2027.
Where does this Washington, DC figure come from?
From DC Rental Housing Commission: “Certification and Notice of Rent Adjustment of General Applicability (effective May 1, 2026)”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.