RENTAL Amendment Act of 2025: Frequently Asked Questions for DC Landlords

We get the same handful of questions about the RENTAL Amendment Act of 2025 over and over. Here are the short answers. For the long version, follow the links — and always confirm specifics with DC counsel before acting.

How many days is a nonpayment notice in DC now?

At least 10 days. The RENTAL Act cut the pre-filing nonpayment notice from 30 days to a minimum of 10. It must be served by certified mail or a tracked delivery service and by hand delivery or posting on the door. See 30 to 10 days.

Can I make a tenant pay rent while an eviction case is pending?

Now, largely yes. New § 16-1502a lets any party move for a protective order requiring the tenant to deposit ongoing monthly rent into the court's registry through the conclusion of the case. The court issues a preliminary order for the ledger amount after the initial motion. See Court registry rent deposits.

Does TOPA still apply to my building?

Often, but there are big new exemptions. The most important: a sale of a building that received its certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years is exempt (with a written notice requirement to tenants). Non-controlling investor entry/exit, certain affordable/LIHTC transfers, and various family and entity transfers are also excluded. See What triggers tenant purchase rights.

When did the Act take effect?

It was signed November 13, 2025 and took effect after the standard 30-day period of Congressional review, with some provisions phased in as their fiscal effect is funded. Confirm the applicability date for the specific provision you're relying on.

I rent to voucher tenants. What actually changes for me?

The faster nonpayment notice and court-registry deposit help you collect the tenant's portion of rent; the public-safety track gives you a real remedy for a dangerous occupant; and DCHA governance now includes a voucher-holder seat. Nothing weakened source-of-income protections — vouchers are still fully welcome and refusing one is still illegal. See How the RENTAL Act affects voucher landlords.

Can I evict a tenant for a crime committed by their guest?

Only in limited circumstances. Where the person who committed the illegal act is someone other than the tenant, the tenant can be evicted only if they knew or should have known the illegal act was taking place — and the Act preserves defenses for tenants who were victims, didn't know, or took reasonable steps to prevent the conduct. See Public-safety evictions.

Did the Act change rent control or rent increases?

No — the RENTAL Act is about evictions, court procedure, and TOPA. DC's rent-stabilization caps and the annual CPI-based increase rules are separate. We still check every proposed increase against the lawful cap before any notice goes out.

Do I have to update my forms?

You should. The 10-day notice, the new service method, the TOPA exemption disclosures, and the offer-of-sale packet all changed. Run our 2026 compliance checklist — or let Keyhold audit your units.