If The CPI-W Figures used by the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission from the last few years to authorize the annual adjustment of general applicability in the rent levels of rental units (rent increase), pursuant to DC Code § 45-251(b) is as follows:

1981 was 10 percent           1996 was 1.9 percent 

1982 was 8.9 percent  `       1997 was 2.8 percent 

1983 was 4.2 percent          1998 was 1.8 percent 

1984 was 4.5 percent          1999 was 1.0 percent 

1965 was 4.4 percent          2000 was 2.1 percent 

1986 was 4.0 percent          2001 was 3.3 percent 

1987 was 1.6 percent          2002 was 2.6 percent 

1988 was 4.7 percent          2003 was 2.1 percent 

1989 was 4.6 percent          2004 was 2.9 percent 

1990 was 5.6 percent          2005 was 2.7 percent 

1991 was 5.4 percent          2006 was 4.2 percent 

1992 was 2.7 percent          2007 was 3.5 percent 

1993 was 2.9 percent          2008 was 3.4 percent 

1994 was 2.1 percent          2009 is 4.8 percent  (effective 5/1/2009)

1995 was 1.7 percent 

(NOTE:  Current rent increase for a rent control unit is limited to the CPI-W plus 2.0 percent , maxing out at 10.0 percent . The rent increase for elderly and/or disabled tenants in rent control units is limited to the CPI-W or 5.0 percent , whichever is lower. In order to receive the elderly/disabled protection the tenant must file the Elderly and Disabled Status Application with the Rental Accommodations Division. For additional information and assistance regarding rent increases contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate at (202) 719-6560.)

Source for CPI-W data: District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission