📜 State Law Guide • Updated January 2025
Washington DC Landlord Tenant Laws 2025
DC has complex regulations designed to protect tenants, including rent control and TOPA. Strict compliance is essential to avoid fines.
Yes (Strict)
Rent Control
1 Month
Deposit Limit
45 days
Deposit Return
Yes
TOPA Rights
Rent Control & Increases
Most rental units built before 1976 are subject to rent control unless specifically exempted (e.g., small landlords owning 4 or fewer units may file for exemption).
- Annual Cap: CPI-W + 2% (max 10% total) for most tenants.
- Elderly/Disabled: Lower cap (CPI-W only, max 5%).
- Frequency: Only one increase per 12-month period.
- Notice: 30 days written notice required for increases.
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA)
Before selling a rental property, a landlord must provide tenants with an opportunity to purchase it.
- Offer of Sale: Must be sent to tenants before accepting a third-party offer.
- Right of First Refusal: Tenants have specific timelines (days to weeks) to express interest and negotiate.
- Single Family Exemption: Recent changes (2018) exempted most single-family homes from TOPA, but strict notice rules still apply.
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