Impact By State

Washington, D.C.

Overview Landscape Involvement News

Overview

The nation’s capital has not been immune from the affordability crisis, with high prices exacerbated by an existing rent control ordinance. Even so, some proposals fail to recognize why housing prices are high and threaten to strengthen it

Washington, D.C. has seen a notable population increase, with roughly 15.3% growth since 2010.

255,400 Washington, D.C. residents call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

74% of low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Washington, D.C. will need to build 2,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand

Campaign Landscape

Washington, D.C. currently has an active rent control policy. The city has historically been a bastion of progressivism, which has led to unsuccessful experiments with the policy. Thus far, it has not alleviated the city’s housing affordability crisis.

While the city council has broad powers in the District, the federal government ultimately has a say in local affairs and can broadly veto passed legislation.

Reassess Rent Control

Rent control negatively impacts any housing market. Washington, D.C should consider repealing its ordinance as soon as possible. Barring this, the ordinance cannot be strengthened under any circumstances.

Pass Pro-Supply Legislation

To build a housing market that benefits all Washington, D.C residents, lawmakers must continue to pass pro-supply measures that encourage development to meet housing demands.

Housing Solutions Coalition Involvement

In Washington, D.C, HSC has supported supply-side policies while dampening restrictions on housing providers.

Opposing Initiative 88

In 2026, rent control advocates are attempting to push a draconian measure that would freeze rents for two years and automatically freeze rents again in future years, which would be one of the most restrictive rent frameworks in the region. Already a legal challenge has likely pushed the measure off the November ballot and to the next District-wide election. Our coalition is prepared to support the effort with research and advocacy in any way necessary.

Latest News

Washington, D.C. Article

D.C.’s war on renters

Tenant “protections” that invite rampant abuse aren’t good for anyone except squatters. In D.C. rental disputes, tenants are always presumed to be the victim, even when they’re clearly not victims — or even tenants. The saga of Veronica Hegens, a retired Army major, puts in sharp relief the risk of continuing business as usual. The […]

March 22, 2026