Housing assistance in the District of Columbia

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in the District of Columbia

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in the District of Columbia

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than the first month's rent, and it must be kept in an interest-bearing account. For rent-controlled units occupied since July 17, 1985 with no deposit, the landlord cannot start requiring one.

14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(a)

Deposit return deadline

Within 45 days after move-out, the landlord must return the deposit, with interest if the tenancy lasted 12 months or more, or send written notice of any amounts claimed, with photos or other documentation. The tenant then has 30 days to dispute the charges. The landlord must return any balance within 30 days of that first notice. Ordinary wear and tear cannot be charged.

D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e); 14 DCMR §§ 308-311

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Before filing an eviction case for nonpayment, the landlord must give written notice, with a ledger of the amount owed, at least 10 days before filing. The notice must go by certified or tracked mail and by hand delivery or posting on the door. The statute's required notice wording still mentions 30 days to pay, so ask the Office of the Tenant Advocate (202-719-6560) about any notice you receive. No case can be filed if less than $600 is owed, unpaid late fees can never be the basis for eviction, and tenants can stop a nonpayment eviction by paying everything owed before the scheduled eviction date.

D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a), (a-1)

Landlord entry notice

Except in an emergency, the landlord must give at least 48 hours' written notice (or a shorter period the tenant agrees to in writing) and may enter only for a reasonable purpose. Entry must be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., not on a Sunday or federal holiday, unless the tenant agrees to another time.

D.C. Code § 42-3505.51

Rent increases and rent control

Rent stabilization covers units unless they are properly registered as exempt. For covered units, rent can go up only once every 12 months, by no more than the annual CPI-based adjustment plus 2%, with a 10% maximum. For registered elderly tenants and tenants with disabilities, the cap is the lowest of CPI, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment or 5%. Increases are also barred if the unit is not in substantial housing-code compliance or the landlord is not licensed and registered. All tenants, rent-controlled or not, get at least 60 days' written notice of any increase.

D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.06, 42-3502.08, 42-3502.24, 42-3509.04

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Every lease includes an implied warranty of habitability, so the landlord must keep the unit and building in good repair and free of pests, with adequate heat, lighting and ventilation. Tenants can request a Department of Buildings inspection. In rent-controlled units, rent cannot be increased while substantial code violations go unfixed, and the Rent Administrator can roll back rents if serious violations continue. Mold must be inspected within 7 days of written notice and fixed within 30 days.

14 DCMR §§ 400-999; D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08(a), 8-241.04

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve the District of Columbia

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s District of Columbia resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25)D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate
2. D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 Security depositCouncil of the District of Columbia
3. D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 EvictionsCouncil of the District of Columbia
4. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 Access by housing provider to dwelling unitCouncil of the District of Columbia
5. D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 Increases above base rentCouncil of the District of Columbia
6. D.C. Code § 42-3502.06 Rent ceilings abolished; adjustment of general applicabilityCouncil of the District of Columbia
7. Utility Affordability ProgramsD.C. Department of Energy and Environment
8. OTA Legal RepresentationD.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate
9. LawHelp.org/DCD.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
10. District of Columbia Housing AuthorityDistrict of Columbia Housing Authority