D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3501.02
Purposes.
Operative Text
In enacting this chapter, the Council of the District of Columbia supports the following statutory purposes: (1) To protect low- and moderate-income tenants from the erosion of their income from increased housing costs; (2) To provide incentives for the construction of new rental units and the rehabilitation of vacant rental units in the District; (3) To continue to improve the administrative machinery for the resolution of disputes and controversies between housing providers and tenants; (4) To protect the existing supply of rental housing from conversion to other uses; and (5) To prevent the erosion of moderately priced rental housing while providing housing providers and developers with a reasonable rate of return on their investments.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.02 sets out the legislative purposes behind the District of Columbia's Rental Housing Act, found at D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. The law is designed to shield low- and moderate-income renters from sharp rent increases, preserve the existing stock of rental housing, and keep moderately priced units available. At the same time, it aims to encourage new construction and rehabilitation of vacant units while maintaining a fair return for housing providers and developers. A dispute-resolution framework is also a stated goal of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3501.02, the Rental Housing Act explicitly recognizes that housing providers are entitled to a reasonable rate of return on their investments, which is one of the chapter's core statutory purposes. Operators who understand these declared goals—found throughout D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.—are better positioned to navigate the regulatory framework, including rent adjustment petitions and rehabilitation incentives. Compliant operators generally document their costs and investment activities in ways that align with the chapter's dual focus on tenant protection and provider sustainability.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.02 makes clear that protecting low- and moderate-income tenants from rising housing costs is a primary purpose of the Rental Housing Act, codified at D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. Tenants can point to these stated purposes when engaging with the District's rent regulation system, including when raising issues before the Rental Housing Commission or filing complaints related to rent increases or housing conditions. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. can help renters understand how these legislative goals translate into enforceable rights.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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