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Office of the Tenant Advocate

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2025 Rental Application Fees Capped at $53

Per the 6.5% increase in the CPI-U in 2025, the Rental Housing Commission has determined that the maximum rental housing application fee is $53 for 2025.

2025 Caps on Rent Control Increases

The Rental Housing Commission (RHC) has published the rent increase caps for rent control year 2025 based on the regional SS-COLA 2.5% cap for elderly/disability tenants under rent control and 4.8% (CPI-W + 2%) for other tenants under rent control.

View Videos & Materials from the 2025 Tenant Summit

View our 4 presentations and panels from the 2025 Tenant Summit along with supplemental materials.

Tenant Tutorial Videos

Please view OTA’s tutorial videos on subjects such as rent increases, housing code violations, and TOPA, among others.

Tenant Resource Guide

Download the Tenant Resource Guide here, including information on government resources, court resources, legal resources, DC Housing Authority resources, rental housing search assistance, and housing-related financial assistance.

Talk to Your Tenant Advocate

Do you have a question about your tenant rights? Get help today. Speak to your Tenant Advocate. Meet with an Advocate, ask a question online, or just give us a call.

Landlord requirements regarding snow and ice removal

Housing providers are required to clear snow and ice from property sidewalks unless the lease says otherwise. Contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate for more information concerning your tenants’ rights.

Featured Services

OTA Housing Assistance and Community Service

Contact OTA if you have questions on landlord disputes and other housing issues.

Emergency Housing

Contact OTA if you have questions about financial assistance for emergency housing.

OTA Legal Representation

Contact OTA to find out what types of legal representation is available to you.

Latest

Press Releases

Feb 2 2026

Rental Housing Commission Publishes Rental Application Fee Cap for 2026

The Rental Housing Commission has determined that the maximum rental housing application fee...

Feb 2 2026

RHC Publishes New Rent Increase Caps: 2.1% for Elderly/Disability Tenants; 4.1% for Other Rent-controlled Units

The Rental Housing Commission (RHC) has published the 2026 change in the regional consumer price...

Nov 17 2025

ERAP Will Open November 20 at 9 am

Beginning on November 20, 2025 at 9 am, eligible DC residents may schedule an appointment to submit...

Jul 2 2025

Modified District Government Services for Independence Day

(Washington, DC) – On Friday, July 4, District Government will observe Independence Day...

May 23 2025

Modified District Government Services for Memorial Day

(Washington, DC) – On Monday, May 26, District Government will observe the Memorial Day...

Office of the Tenant Advocate - OTA

Office Hours
Walk-ins: M-Th: 9:30 am-3 pm/ Phone intakes: M-F: 8:45 am-4:45 pm

Connect With Us
899 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 6200, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 719-6560
Fax: (202) 719-6586
TTY: 711

Ask the Chief Tenant Advocate

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Community Health and Information Fair

Last Date:

Come to the Community Health and Information Fair hosted by Iona's Active Wellness Program at St. Alban's on Wednesday, November 5, and speak with representatives from the following agencies: