Washington DC Lease Renewal / Rent Increase Notice

Date of Notice: [[Notice Date]]

To (Tenant):
[[Tenant Name]]
[[Property Address]]
Washington, DC

From (Landlord or Authorized Agent):
[[Landlord Name]]
Mailing Address for Notices: [[Landlord Mailing Address]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Re: Notice of Lease Renewal and Rent Adjustment for the Premises Located at [[Property Address]]

Dear [[Tenant Name]]:

This notice informs you of the renewal of your tenancy and/or an adjustment to your monthly rent for the residential premises located at the address above. This notice is provided in accordance with applicable District of Columbia law, including DC Code § 42-3202 and the Tenant Fairness Amendment Act.

Current Tenancy Terms - Current Monthly Rent: $[[Current Monthly Rent]] - Lease or Tenancy Term: Month-to-month or as stated in your current lease agreement - Utilities Included in Rent: As previously agreed or per your lease

Proposed New Terms Effective [[Effective Date]] - New Monthly Rent: $[[New Monthly Rent]] - Percent Increase: [[Percent Increase]]% - Any change in other terms: None, unless separately agreed in writing

The increase is calculated as follows:
Current rent $[[Current Monthly Rent]] increased by [[Percent Increase]]% equals new rent of $[[New Monthly Rent]].

Statutory Notice Requirements and Compliance DC law requires specific advance written notice for any rent increase:

1. For rent increases of 10 percent or less within any 12-month period, a minimum of 30 days' written notice is required before the increase may take effect.

2. For rent increases greater than 10 percent within any 12-month period, a minimum of 90 days' written notice is required before the increase may take effect.

3. This notice is being served [[30 / 90]] days in advance of the effective date to satisfy the applicable requirement based on the proposed increase amount.

4. The notice must state the current rent, the new rent, the effective date of the increase, and the housing provider's rent-control exemption status, if any.

5. Rent-controlled units are those in buildings built before 1976 containing 5 or more residential units. Such units are subject to the annual standard rent increase limit based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) under DC Code § 42-3502.08, plus any approved capital improvement or other adjustments authorized by the Rental Housing Commission.

Rent Control Status and Applicable Cap Rent Control Status of this property: [[Rent Control Status]]

If the property is subject to rent control:
- The proposed increase must not exceed the current CPI-based cap plus any lawful additions.
- The housing provider must provide the tenant with information about the maximum standard rent increase that applies and the process for establishing elderly or disability status where applicable.
- This notice includes a statement of the current rent charged, the increased rent charged, and any utilities covered.

If the property is exempt from rent control, the exemption category is noted in the Rent Control Status field above. Exemptions may include certain newly constructed buildings, owner-occupied buildings with fewer units, or other categories defined by DC law.

Tenant Rights and Options You have the following rights in connection with this notice:

1. You may accept the proposed terms by continuing to occupy the premises after the effective date and paying the new rent amount.

2. You may negotiate different terms with the housing provider in writing.

3. If you believe the increase violates rent-control limits or notice requirements, you may contact the Rental Housing Commission or file a petition challenging the increase.

4. No retaliation is permitted against a tenant for exercising rights under the Rental Housing Act.

5. For increases requiring 90 days' notice, you have additional time to plan or seek alternative housing.

If the tenancy is month-to-month, either party may terminate with proper notice under DC Code § 42-3202 instead of accepting the increase.

Method of Delivery and Proof of Service This notice is being delivered by one of the following methods permitted under DC law:

• Personal delivery to the tenant named above.
• Delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises, followed by mailing.
• Posting in a conspicuous place on the premises and first-class mailing to the tenant at the premises.

Proof of Service (to be completed by server):

I, the undersigned, declare that on [[Notice Date]] at approximately [[Time of Service]], I served a copy of this Notice of Lease Renewal and Rent Increase on [[Tenant Name]] by the method checked:

[ ] Personal delivery
[ ] Substituted service at premises + mailing
[ ] Posting and mailing

Server Name: _______________________________
Signature: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________

Additional Information and Tenant Protections - The housing provider must comply with all applicable provisions of the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code § 42-3501 et seq.). - Tenants in rent-controlled units have the right to request verification of the basis for any increase above the standard adjustment. - Elderly tenants or tenants with disabilities may qualify for additional protections or lower increase caps; contact the housing provider or the Rent Administrator for details on establishing status. - This notice does not waive any other rights the tenant has under the existing lease or DC law. - If any portion of this notice is held invalid, the remainder remains in effect.

Signatures

Housing Provider / Landlord

[[Landlord Name]]

Signature: [[Landlord Signature]]
Date: [[Notice Date]]

Printed Name / Title: [[Landlord Name]]

Tenant Acknowledgment (optional response)

I acknowledge receipt of this notice.

Signature: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Name]], -

Sources and Legal References (as of June 2026):
- DC Code § 42-3202 (Notices to quit and related tenancy termination rules)
- DC Code § 42-3502.08 (Increases above base rent; notice content requirements; CPI adjustments for rent-controlled units)
- DC Code § 42-3509.04 (Notice requirements)
- Tenant Fairness Amendment Act and related Rental Housing Commission rules
- Rental Housing Act of 1985, as amended

This document is a template provided for illustrative and workflow purposes. It is not legal advice. All parties must verify current statutory requirements, rent control status, applicable CPI figures, exemption status, and service rules with the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission, Department of Housing and Community Development, or qualified legal counsel before use. Laws and regulations may change. Information current as of June 2026.

Primary Sources:
- D.C. Official Code Title 42, Chapters 32 and 35
- Rental Housing Commission (rhc.dc.gov) publications and forms
- DHCD resources for housing providers and tenants

Enclosures (if applicable):
- Copy of current lease (excerpts)
- Rent control registration or exemption documentation
- CPI adjustment notice or Rent Administrator guidance

Notes on Calculation and Timing:
To determine the exact number of days' notice, count full calendar days from the date of proper service. The effective date must fall on or after the end of the required notice period. Weekends and holidays do not extend the statutory minimums unless otherwise provided by law or court rule. Keep records of the date and method of service for at least three years.

Additional Tenant Resources:
Tenants may obtain free or low-cost assistance from the DC Office of Tenant Advocate, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, or other approved tenant counseling agencies listed by the Mayor in the D.C. Register. Housing providers must include a summary of tenant rights in rent increase notices as required.