Compliance
Requirements
All rental properties in Washington DC are required to be licensed. DC Rental Licensing offers the service for completing the rental license. Ensure legal compliance for your DC rental properties with our dedicated licensing service. We make it easy and hassle-free!
Single-Family Homes
Rental Property Licensing for Single-Family Homes
This is a multi-stage process that includes completing a pre-inspection, FR500, scheduling and conducting the property inspection with DOB, completing and submitting the Basic Business License Application, and filing with the Rental Accommodations Division.
Multi-Family Homes
Rental Property Licensing for Multi-Family Homes
This is a multi-stage process that includes completing a pre-inspection, obtaining a COO that requires a DOB in-person inspection, completing and submitting the Basic Business License Application, filing with the Rental Accommodations Division, and submitting an FR500.
Inspection Checklist
DOB Inspection Checklist
The following list is the DOB inspection checklist that you should ensure your property follows prior to your inspection. DOB may identify conditions that would cause the property to fail the inspection that is not on the checklist.
- Provide a smoke detector on every level, vicinity of the sleeping room, and every sleeping room (Current IPMC)
- Provide a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of the sleeping rooms where there is a fuel-burning appliance (Current IPMC)
- Does the space requirement for occupancy – 70 Square feet for a sleeping room for one person and 50 square feet for each additional person? (Current IPMC)
- Does the ceiling height meet minimum requirements in all habitable spaces 7 feet or basement 6’8″ and 6’4″ under beams? (Current IPMC)
- Does the unit meet light and ventilation requirements? (Current IPMC)
- Are all exit and security doors readily open without needing keys, special knowledge or effort? (Current IPMC)
- Do sleeping rooms have adequate emergency escape or rescue openings?
- Certify that all required emergency escape and rescue openings from the inside of the room without use of keys or tools, (bars, grilles, gates, or similar devices must be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening)
- A minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. ( or 5 sq. ft. unit if the unit is grade level)
- A minimum net clear opening height dimension of 24 inches.
- A minimum net clear opening width dimension of 20 inches.
- A finished sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor.
- Are sleeping rooms free from gas meters and fuel-burning appliances? (Current IPMC)
- Are walls, ceilings, doors, and windows free of peeling paint, cracks, holes, dampness & uncleanness? (Current IPMC)
- Are windows & doors (including hardware) in good repair, weather and are screens provided? (Current IPMC)
- Are floors, steps and walking surfaces sound reasonably level? (Current IPMC)
- Do all porches and exterior and interior steps have a handrail, guard, and balustrades? (Current IPMC)
- Are electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures in good repair and working properly? (Current IPMC)
- Are the required number of electrical receptacles and light fixtures present? (Current IPMC)
- Does the dwelling unit contain the required plumbing fixtures in good repair? (Current IPMC)
- Is the heating system operational and in good repair? (Current IPMC)
- Is the water heating equipment operational and in good repair? (Current IPMC)
- Are all appliances installed properly and maintained in safe and good working condition? (Current IPMC)
- Provide a fire extinguisher inside the unit? (DC 2013 Property Maintenance Code)
- Is the exterior properly maintained? (Roof, gutters, downspouts, walkways, porches, etc.) (Current IPMC)
Extra Insight
More Information on DOB Process
DC Rental Licensing does not guarantee the property will pass the inspection and there may be repairs required by DOB that will be at the cost to the owner to receive a passing grade.
The turnaround time to complete all stages is approximately 20 – 25 days if there are no delays by District agencies processing the license. Such delays may include but are not limited to inspection scheduling, a Clean Hands Certificate, issues with your COO, incomplete tax filings, etc.
The turnaround time to complete all stages is approximately 20 – 25 days if there are no delays by District agencies processing the license. Such delays may include but are not limited to inspection scheduling, a Clean Hands Certificate, issues with your COO, incomplete tax filings, etc.
In Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Licensing is a crucial part of owning rental properties in Washington DC. DC Rental Licensing offers a comprehensive service to ensure your rentals are legally compliant.
Our process, whether for single family or multi-family homes, includes pre-inspection, completing necessary forms, scheduling inspections with DOB, and filing with the Rental Accommodations Division.
We aim to make this process as easy and hassle-free as possible for property owners. Trust DC Rental Licensing with your rental property licensing needs and enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is in competent hands.
Our process, whether for single family or multi-family homes, includes pre-inspection, completing necessary forms, scheduling inspections with DOB, and filing with the Rental Accommodations Division.
We aim to make this process as easy and hassle-free as possible for property owners. Trust DC Rental Licensing with your rental property licensing needs and enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is in competent hands.
