D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3502.03b
Rent Administrator — Qualifications and compensation.
Operative Text
The Rent Administrator shall: (1) Be admitted to practice before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals by the time the Rent Administrator’s term of office commences; (2) Be a resident of the District within 6 months of the commencement of the Rent Administrator’s term of office; (3) Possess skills and expertise relevant to rental housing, preferably in the area of rent control or rent stabilization; and (4) Receive annual compensation equivalent to that received by a District employee compensated at the grade of 15 of the District schedule established under subchapter XI of Chapter 6 of Title 1 [ § 1-611.01 et seq.].
D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3502.03b sets out the qualifications and pay structure for the Rent Administrator, the official who oversees rent regulation in the District of Columbia. The person holding this position must be a licensed D.C. attorney, become a District resident within six months of taking office, and have relevant expertise in rental housing — ideally in rent control or stabilization. Their annual salary is tied to the Grade 15 level of the District's established pay schedule.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3502.03b, the Rent Administrator who oversees rent-related decisions and proceedings in the District is required to meet specific professional and residency standards. Property owners and managers who interact with the Rent Administrator's office — whether through petitions, appeals, or compliance matters — can expect that office to be led by a licensed D.C. attorney with relevant housing expertise. Understanding the qualifications of the administering official can help operators better contextualize the regulatory environment in which rent-related determinations are made.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3502.03b establishes that the Rent Administrator, the official responsible for administering rent stabilization rules in the District, must be a qualified attorney and a D.C. resident with expertise in rental housing matters. Tenants who have concerns about rent increases, petitions, or other rent-related issues may bring those matters before the Rent Administrator's office, knowing the position is held to defined professional standards. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help explain how to engage with the Rent Administrator's office and what processes may be available under the broader rent stabilization framework.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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