Which DC rentals are exempt from rent control in 2026?

DC rent control exemptions in 2026: the four exemption categories, how to claim one with RAD-2, and what triggers loss of exempt status.

Frequently asked questions

Which DC rentals are exempt from rent control in 2026?

A unit is exempt from DC rent control if (a) the building was built after December 31, 1975, (b) the owner has 4 or fewer rental units across DC, (c) the unit is federally subsidized, or (d) the unit is a condo or co-op held by an individual owner. Exemption is claimed by filing RAD-2; you do not get it automatically.

Do mother-in-law units count toward the 4-unit cap?

Yes if they are separately rented. An unrented in-law suite does not count.

Does the cap apply across entities I own?

Yes. DC counts beneficial ownership, not LLC structure, for the 4-unit test.

Are short-term rentals (Airbnb) rent-controlled?

Short-term rentals fall under a different licensing track (STR endorsement) and are not rent-controlled, but they still need RAD-2 on file.

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