How can a tenant dispute a rent increase?

In the District of Columbia, tenants have the right to dispute a rent increase if it is above the amount permitted by law. The rent ceiling, otherwise known as the rent control limit, is set by the Mayor’s office and the rental increase cannot exceed the limit. Tenants who wish to dispute an excessive rent increase should first consult the rent ceiling for the applicable fiscal year or find out what other tenants in their building are paying. If the landlord’s proposed rent increase exceeds the rent ceiling, the tenant can file a complaint with the rent administrator of the Department of Housing and Community Development. When filing a complaint, the tenant should include documents such as a copy of the landlord’s notice of rent increase, a copy of the lease, and the most recent payment receipt. The rent administrator will review the complaint and may order the landlord to reduce the rent to the legal limit. The tenant may also be ordered to pay the excess rent that was charged to him/her, plus attorney’s fees and court costs. In addition to filing a complaint with the rent administrator, the tenant can also file a lawsuit in the Rent Administrator’s office. In the lawsuit, the tenant must include evidence to prove that the proposed rent increase was excessive. If the court finds that the landlord did violate the rent ceiling, the tenant can be awarded damages and attorney’s fees. It is important to note that rent increases can be disputed within a 60-day period. After this period, the tenant may be responsible for the rent increase, even if it exceeds the rent ceiling. To ensure that the tenant’s rights are protected, it is advisable to file a complaint or lawsuit right away.

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How can a tenant dispute a rent increase?

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