Bill > PR26-0015

This resolution declares an emergency to continue protections for tenants in rent-stabilized housing units in the District of Columbia, responding to significant rent increases that have occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution provides context about rent increases approved by the Rental Housing Commission between 2020 and 2023, which culminated in an unprecedented 8.9% increase in 2023 that threatened to cause significant financial hardship for residents. In response, the Council previously passed legislation to cap annual rent increases at 4% for elderly or disabled residents and 6% for other rent-stabilized units, with cumulative 8% and 12% caps respectively between May 2023 and April 2025. The emergency declaration is necessary because the existing temporary legislation is set to expire on January 12, 2025, and the Council wants to ensure continued protection for tenants and preservation of affordable housing stock. The resolution allows for the immediate adoption of the Rent Stabilized Housing Inflation Protection Continuation Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 after a single reading, demonstrating the urgent need to maintain these rent increase limitations and protect vulnerable residents from potential displacement due to rapidly rising housing costs.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/PR26-0015