A quick post to let you know we’ve just post a clearer version of the basic six-step process to apply for a business license for your basement rental. As with any project, there could be some variables including applying for building permits if necessary to come into code compliance, but this is essentially the process. You can get everything done – except for the rent control registration – on the second floor of our new offices at 1100 4th Street SW. A lot of the minor repairs that may need to be made might be able to be done with our Postcard Permit which you can get online from home or work for about $30 and without ever stepping foot in our offices. See the more than 60 projects this covers and apply here. Thanks all for your recent comments and support.
- Mike Rupert, DCRA
Thank you for developing an informative, easy to use web-site.
Thank you for the nice comment.
The site is helpful. I guess I am not sure why it takes DCRA so long to investigate illegal basement apartments. Given the potential fire hazards, I would think that making sure there is an inspection would be a high-priority issue.
Deek,
It doesn’t take a long time. The issue we have is getting enough evidence for our citations to hold up if they are appealed – especially when the entrance to the units are hidden behind a fence on private property.
Thanks. Maybe I misunderstood the process. I really applaud the effort to assure the safety of illegal basement apartments. I had reported one a couple of weeks ago, I have significant concerns about the fire safety of the unit. Hopefully DCRA will force the owners to follow the process to assure fire safety.
I am getting ready to rent out my condo, so this website doesn’t really apply to me, but I wanted to write a quick note to say that it is such a pleasure to see a DC website that is informative and easy to understand. Thank you!
Thanks Amy. We appreciate it.
How do we turn in illegal apartments?
You can post them here or you can call 202-442-4311 to report and we will investigate. Thanks.
I recently bought a rowhouse with a CofO for 2 units: the 2 upstairs floors (in which I live) and the basement apartment. I’ve received conflicting information about whether this CofO is still in effect for me as a the new owner of the property. Can you clarify whether a properly issued CofO is null upon sale of a home?
The Certificate of Occupancy covers the building. The only thing you need to do is come in and update your name on the C of O and you’re fine. Hope this helps.
Thanks – that’s very helpful. Is there a specific “update name” form that I need to submit, and do I need to also bring in my home purchase closing documents? Do I need/can I make an appointment? Lastly, can I schedule an inspection before I begin the BBL process so I can understand the level of work that might be required?
New Owner,
You need to come into the office as these need to be done in person by law. Unfortunately there are no appointments. Do bring documents showing proof of change of ownership. You can get a third-party inspector or a certified contractor to do an assessment. Most are very well versed on compliance. We don’t do pre-inspection unfortunately. Hope this helps.
Thanks for all the great information. We just bought a house with what looks like a legal basement unit. We were told that it was legally rented in the past, but that the previous owner had not maintained the CofO because he used the whole building. Is there a different process for re-instating a CofO, or do I have to start from the beginning?
Doug,
The C of O are attached to be building, not necessarily the owner. So unless they did major renovations or changed the “use” of the basement, the original or rather last C of O can still be used. You can checl to see if there is indeed a C of O at http://pivs.dcra.dc.gov , put in address and then click on occupancy in lower left. It would list it if it existed. If it does, you can come get an official copy and have it transferred over to your name. Here is a link on C of O’s and ownership change http://dcra.dc.gov/DC/DCRA/Permits/Certificates+of+Occupancy+and+Zoning/Get+a+Certificate+of+Occupancy
Thanks!