Did DC Really Rollback Rent?

DC Council has passed legislation on an emergency basis that has the potential to limit the rent increases already authorized by the DC Rental Housing Commission in January 2023.

Under this legislation, if a unit is occupied by a tenant (who is not an elderly tenant or a tenant with a disability), any rent increases to take effect from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025 shall not exceed 6% (CPI plus 2% general applicability) each year. The Rental Housing Commission previously authorized a total rent adjustment of 8.9% for the period of May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024 for most tenants.

Moreover, the total amount of any rent increases that went into or are going into effect from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2025 may not exceed (i) 8% if the unit is occupied by an elderly tenant or a tenant with a disability, or if the unit is leased or co-leased by a home and community-based services provider, or (ii) 12% if the unit is occupied by any other tenant. This means that rent increases for the next two years may not exceed, collectively, 8% or 12%, depending on the category of tenant.

Any refunds must be issued the later of 30 days of receipt or August 1, 2023.

City Council has passed this legislation on an emergency basis due to the pandemic; this is the first time DC rent controlled tenants have seen a rent increase. With the high levels of inflation, Council reasons that these sizeable rent increases are an imminent danger for tenants’ economic stability.

The legislation is effective for ninety (90) days (expires September 27, 2023), which may be extended on an emergency basis just as City Council did frequently during the pandemic.

The material on this website is not offered as legal advice on any matter and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.