DC is not like NY-- once an apt is rent controlled it will remain rent controlled (unless perhaps a large property owner becomes a small property owner), although the limits on raising the rent aren't as severe.

I think in case of a "vacancy" the landlord can raise the rent by 10%, or by up to 30% if the LL can show comparable apts rent for that much. I don't know if there is a way to avoid a vacancy in your situation.

By the way, I knew a landlord once who claimed his apts were not rent controlled (because he said he had less than 4) when they were. Last I heard he owed thousands to his tenants...

Try calling TENAC - the deal specifically with DC tenant rights.

oops, here is the list of resources, including TENAC and the OTA:

http://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ota/publication/attachments/Tenant_Resource_List_3_22_2012.pdf

To the OP: I would try to drop in on a free legal clinic to ask your question. This one might be useful:

http://www.dcbar.org/for_lawyers/pro_bono/about_the_program/serving_the_community/advice.cfm

You might also want to check out this list of resources and call TENAC or the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate. They might be able to answer your question or point you to someone else who can.

As other posters have noted, in NYC, rent control rights can be passed to a child who lived in the apartment as a minor. But I'm not sure if this is allowed in DC. GL!

Happens all the time in manhattan. Not sure if she just pays through your name or what. Maybe someone else is your place has successfully done a family/friend transfer?