Older tenants and tenants with disabilities who live in rent-controlled housing can register with the city to receive reduced annual rent increases. Qualified tenants must live in rent-controlled units and a) must be at least 62 years old and/or b) must have a temporary or permanent disability. Registered tenants are eligible for a cap on their rent increases — for 2026, the cap is 2.1%. (The rent control year runs from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.)
To register with the Rental Accommodations Division for reduced rent increases, tenants must file online at RentRegistry. The Office of the Tenant Advocate is available to assist tenants with filing; you can reach them at 202-719-6560 or by visiting in-person at the OTA office at 899 North Capitol St NE.