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How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in District of Columbia?

Short answer

At a glance: 60 days

Rent increase takes effect only on a rent day more than 60 days after written notice (all units)

Notice: At least 61 days before the rent increase takes effect

Give written notice of any rent increase so that it takes effect no earlier than the first regular rent day more than 60 calendar days after the notice. The calendar uses 61 days so the notice lands more than 60 days ahead.

"No rent increases, ... shall be effective until the first day on which rent is normally paid occurring more than 60 calendar days after the notice of the increase is given to the tenant;"
code.dccouncil.gov
"Any tenant is entitled to a minimum of 60 days’ written notice of any rent increase, regardless of the unit’s rent control status."
ota.dc.gov

Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · All 2 District of Columbia rules on this topic

District of Columbia rules on this topic

Rent increase takes effect only on a rent day more than 60 days after written notice (all units) Verified

Deadline: At least 61 days before the rent increase takes effect

Give written notice of any rent increase so that it takes effect no earlier than the first regular rent day more than 60 calendar days after the notice. The calendar uses 61 days so the notice lands more than 60 days ahead.

Applies to: any number of units · Layer: District of Columbia · Topic: Rent increase notice

Who it covers: Applies whether or not the unit is rent controlled.

"No rent increases, ... shall be effective until the first day on which rent is normally paid occurring more than 60 calendar days after the notice of the increase is given to the tenant;"
code.dccouncil.gov
"Any tenant is entitled to a minimum of 60 days’ written notice of any rent increase, regardless of the unit’s rent control status."
ota.dc.gov

Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b) (D.C. Law 25-65, Nov. 28, 2023).

Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction

Rent-controlled units: file the rent increase notice with the Rent Administrator within 30 days after it takes effect; one increase per 12 months Verified

Deadline: Within 30 days after the rent increase takes effect

For a rent-controlled unit, file a copy of the rent increase notice with the Rent Administrator within 30 days after the increase takes effect. Rent may rise only once every 12 months, by no more than the lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% for most tenants.

Applies to: any number of units · Layer: District of Columbia · Topic: Rent increase notice

Who it covers: Rent-stabilized (rent-controlled) units only. Standard cap: the lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (lower cap for registered elderly or disabled tenants). Owner and manager must be licensed and registered and the unit must substantially comply with the housing code.

"A copy of the rent increase notice given to the tenant for a rent increase under § 42-3502.08(h)(2), within 30 days after the effective date of the increase;"
code.dccouncil.gov
"For all other tenants in rent-controlled units, the cap is the lesser of the CPI + 2%, or 10%."
ota.dc.gov
"the rent has not been increased within the last 12 months."
ota.dc.gov

Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3502.05(g)(1)(A), § 42-3502.08; OTA Tenant Bill of Rights § 6. This year's CPI figure was not captured.

Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction

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