District of Columbia Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
District of Columbia rules on rent increases & late fees for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: Yes. DC's Rent Stabilization Program covers many older rental units. Annual increase cap for covered units: lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (registered elderly/disabled tenants: lowest of CPI, Social Security COLA, or 5%), at most once per 12 months, and only if the landlord is… D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3502.06(e), 42-3502.24, 42-3509.04(b)
The rules in District of Columbia
| Rent control / increase limits | Yes. DC's Rent Stabilization Program covers many older rental units. Annual increase cap for covered units: lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (registered elderly/disabled tenants: lowest of CPI, Social Security COLA, or 5%), at most once per 12 months, and only if the landlord is licensed/registered and the unit substantially complies with the housing code. All tenants (rent controlled or not) get at least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. |
|---|---|
| Late fees | No more than 5% of the full rent due, only if the written lease states the maximum fee and rent is not paid within 5 days after the due date (or a longer lease grace period). Only one late fee per late payment; no interest on late fees; cannot be deducted from later rent; no eviction for unpaid late fees; no late fee on a subsidy provider's share. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 |
Free calculators
- Late Fee Checker — Check a late fee against your state's cap and grace period.
- Rent Increase Calculator — In states with a statewide rent cap, see the most your rent can go up this year.
Related questions
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
District of Columbia vs. neighboring states
| State | Rent control / increase limits | Late fees |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Yes. DC's Rent Stabilization Program covers many older rental units. Annual increase cap for covered units: lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (registered elderly/disabled tenants: lowest of CPI, Social Security COLA, or 5%), at most once per 12 months, and only if the landlord is licensed/registered and the unit substantially complies with the housing code. All tenants (rent controlled or not) get at least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3502.06(e), 42-3502.24, 42-3509.04(b) | No more than 5% of the full rent due, only if the written lease states the maximum fee and rent is not paid within 5 days after the due date (or a longer lease grace period). Only one late fee per late payment; no interest on late fees; cannot be deducted from later rent; no eviction for unpaid late fees; no late fee on a subsidy provider's share. D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 |
| Maryland | No statewide rent control or statewide cap on rent increases. Local jurisdictions may adopt rent regulation (statewide preemption not found). Md. Office of the Attorney General, 'Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes' (Rev. Feb. 2025); DHCD Tenants' Bill of Rights (eff. Oct 1, 2026) | Capped at 5% of the amount of unpaid rent for the rental period. For weekly rent: no more than $3 per week, with a total of no more than $12 per month. No statutory grace period. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) |
| Virginia | No statewide rent control or rent-increase cap, and no Virginia statute authorizes local rent control. Va. Code Title 55.1, Ch. 12 (no cap); 2026 HB 278 / SB 355 | Only if provided in the written rental agreement; capped at the lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance due. Where there is no written lease, rent is late if not paid by the 5th of the month. Va. Code 55.1-1204(E), (C) |
More District of Columbia rental law
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- District of Columbia Eviction Laws
- District of Columbia Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- Breaking a Lease in District of Columbia
- Squatters' Rights in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Rental Fee Rules
- District of Columbia Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- District of Columbia Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- District of Columbia Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- District of Columbia Landlord Selling the House
- District of Columbia Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- District of Columbia Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All District of Columbia landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in District of Columbia
Compare rent increases & late fees in all 50 states and DC →
District of Columbia Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws FAQ
Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in District of Columbia?
Yes. DC's Rent Stabilization Program covers many older rental units. Annual increase cap for covered units: lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (registered elderly/disabled tenants: lowest of CPI, Social Security COLA, or 5%), at most once per 12 months, and only if the landlord is licensed/registered and the unit substantially complies with the housing code. All tenants (rent controlled or not) get at least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. (D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3502.06(e), 42-3502.24, 42-3509.04(b))
Is there a limit on late fees in District of Columbia?
No more than 5% of the full rent due, only if the written lease states the maximum fee and rent is not paid within 5 days after the due date (or a longer lease grace period). Only one late fee per late payment; no interest on late fees; cannot be deducted from later rent; no eviction for unpaid late fees; no late fee on a subsidy provider's share. (D.C. Code § 42-3505.31)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.