Bill > B26-0070

This bill amends the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to expand rent stabilization protections for tenants using tenant-based subsidy programs (like Housing Choice Vouchers) by removing their previous exemption from rent control regulations. Starting October 1, 2026, rental units with tenants using these subsidies will be subject to the Rent Stabilization Program, meaning landlords cannot increase rent beyond legally permitted amounts. The bill requires subsidy administrators (the agencies that pay rent on behalf of tenants) to ensure any rent increases comply with local regulations and gives these administrators the power to challenge inappropriate rent adjustments. Importantly, the bill prohibits tenants or subsidy administrators from waiving rent stabilization requirements and mandates that housing providers serve notice of any proposed rent changes to both the tenant and the subsidy administrator. The legislation also provides guidelines for calculating allowable rent increases when a subsidized unit transitions into rent stabilization, with different calculations based on the previous tenant's length of occupancy. The goal is to protect subsidized tenants from excessive rent hikes and ensure they receive the same housing protections as other renters in the District of Columbia.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0070