Rent Controlled Buildings In Washington, D.C.
A few weeks ago, I got my annual rent increase in the mail.
It was $84/month. And will begin on April 1, 2023. Pretty Good! Right? Reason being... My apartment is rent-controlled. Given to us by the Rental Housing Act of 1985, DC Rent Control governs how much and how often landlords can increase rents within the District of Columbia. Today on the blog, I want to share more information about rent control, answer some burning questions, and share direct links to buildings in the city.
What Is Rent Control?
In the District of Columbia, Rent Control is a regulatory mechanism by which multifamily residential properties built before 1975 have restrictions on the rents that can be charged for vacant units and on the allowable amount of the annual rent increase. The restrictions on vacant units relate to the maximum allowable increase in rent from the former tenant to the maximum rentable to be charged to the new tenant. Additionally, for existing tenants, Rent Control limits the annual amount of rent increase to no more than the CPI plus 2%. There are no income requirements to be eligible for Rent Controlled Housing.
Are Rent-Controlled Apartments Affordable?
Affordability is different for everyone and not something I’m comfortable making a blanket statement about. But, rent control buildings will typically be less expensive than buildings with similar locations and amenities. Also, since RC buildings are usually older, you’ll often find your utilities like (water and heat) are included in the rent.
Is Rent Control Available in Maryland and Virginia?
Unfortunately, these laws don’t extend to Maryland or Virginia, as VA has no state-wide laws; and MD's laws are limited to specific counties.
Also, rent control in New York City is an entirely different animal, and I’m NOT an expert. However, you can read about the difference between rent control and rent-stabilized apartments.
What are the Signs of a Rent-Controlled Building in D.C?
Here’s what you should be looking for…
Buildings built before 1975; look for window-unit air conditioners, art deco, or beaux arts style.
Buildings that are not federally or District-subsidized. Programs like Inclusionary-Zoning (IZ) and Affordable Dwelling Units (ADU) are not rent-controlled and require income verification. Rent control requires you to meet an income minimum, typically where your gross income is 3x the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1600 your gross income (before taxes) would need to be $57,600 or more to qualify.
Corporate-looking buildings are much more likely to be rent controlled, as natural persons who own less than 4 buildings are exempt, so look for a building with 6+ units and confirm.
A Homie and tenant’s rights lawyer here in DC, has shared a few sites that would be good to know if you’re looking to rent in DC. First, housinginsights.org, which allows you to search for all subsidies at a given property. And www.dhcdrecords.org/, where you can gain access to all public records for buildings in DC.
Rent Controlled Buildings in Washington, D.C.
5600 CHILLUM
FORT TOTTEN
JETU
PLEASANT HILLS
THE FORELAND
2801 PENNSYLVANIA
3101 PENNSYLVANIA
GARDEN VILLAGE
GRANDVIEW VILLAGE
HILLSIDE TERRACE
MANOR VILLAGE
NAYLOR OVERLOOK
PENN VIEW
RANDLE CIRCLE
RICHMAN APARTMENTS
SKYLAND APARTMENTS
1380 FORT STEVENS
2701 CONNECTICUT
2800 ONTARIO
3151 MOUNT PLEASANT
4020 CALVERT
4031 DAVIS
BRUNSWICK HOUSE
MERIDIAN PARK
THE SHAWMUT
SHERRY HALL
CHATHAM COURTS
CLARENCE HOUSE
THE KLINGLE
HILLSIDE TERRACE
* Classic side only
If you know of a rent-controlled building in DC, leave a comment below to help your fellow Homie! And please share this post with anyone you think it might help!
