D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3502.14
Substantial rehabilitation.
Operative Text
(a) If the Rent Administrator determines that (1) a rental unit is to be substantially rehabilitated, and (2) the rehabilitation is in the interest of the tenants of the unit and the housing accommodation in which the unit is located, the Rent Administrator may approve, contingent upon completion of the substantial rehabilitation, an increase in the rent charged for the rental unit, if the rent increase is no greater than the equivalent of 125% of the rent charged applicable to the rental unit prior to substantial rehabilitation. (b) In determining whether a housing unit is to be substantially rehabilitated, the Rent Administrator shall examine the plans, specifications, and projected costs for the rehabilitation, which shall be made available to the Rent Administrator by the housing provider of the rental unit or housing accommodation to be rehabilitated. (c) In determining whether substantial rehabilitation of a housing accommodation is in keeping with the interest of the tenants, the Rent Administrator shall consider, among other relevant factors: (1) The impact of the rehabilitation on the tenants of the unit or housing accommodation; and (2) The existing condition of the rental unit or housing accommodation and the degree to which any violations of the housing regulations in the rental unit or housing accommodation constitute an impairment of the health, welfare, and safety of the tenants. (d) This section shall apply to the following: (1) Any rental unit with respect to which a housing provider has notified the tenant, after July 17, 1985, of an intent to substantially rehabilitate; and (2) Any rental unit with respect to which, before July 17, 1985: (A) The housing provider has notified the tenant of the intended substantial rehabilitation; and (B) All the tenants have left.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3502.14, the Rent Administrator has authority to approve a rent increase for a rental unit that undergoes substantial rehabilitation, but only if the rehabilitation is found to serve the interests of the affected tenants. Any approved increase is capped at 125% of the pre-rehabilitation rent charged — meaning the new rent cannot exceed 1.25 times what was previously charged. The Rent Administrator must review the rehabilitation plans, projected costs, and the impact on tenant health, welfare, and safety before granting approval, and the increase only takes effect once the rehabilitation is actually completed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Housing providers seeking a rent increase under D.C. Code § 42-3502.14 are generally expected to submit detailed plans, specifications, and projected costs to the Rent Administrator for review before any increase is approved. A compliant operator ensures that the proposed rehabilitation genuinely serves tenant interests and that the requested rent increase does not exceed the 125% cap on the pre-rehabilitation rent charged. Because approval is contingent on completion of the work, operators typically document the rehabilitation process thoroughly to demonstrate that the conditions justifying the increase have been met.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3502.14 gives tenants a meaningful role in the substantial rehabilitation process, as the Rent Administrator must consider the impact of the rehabilitation on tenants and the existing condition of the unit — including any housing code violations — before approving a rent increase. The increase is capped at 125% of the prior rent charged and cannot take effect until the rehabilitation is complete, which means tenants have grounds to challenge any increase that exceeds this limit or is imposed prematurely. Tenants who believe a proposed increase does not comply with this provision may consider raising the issue before the Rent Administrator, contacting the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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