The D.C. rent control system was established in 1975. Even the controlled units do not have fixed rent levels. A complex system regulates both the frequency and amount of rent increases. Properly licensed and registered units can increase rents annually by the Consumer Price Index. When a unit is vacated, its rent can be increased by 12 percent or up to the rent ceiling, whichever is higher.
Landlords can petition to increase rent ceilings to reflect certain cost increases.
And landlords can negotiate voluntary agreements with tenants to increase rents. The agreement represents a voluntary partnership between the two organizations to identify fair housing issues, concerns, and solutions. It is a progressive plan that applies a proactive approach to fair housing issues. The Fair Housing Partnership Agreement sets up, on a national level, a model of discussion, planning and action that can be replicated at the community level. An important element in these discussions is the inclusion of other housing industry and community organizations.