District of Columbia rental license inspection

Who performs the inspection?

Inspections are performed by DOB/DLCP inspectors as part of the Basic Business License (BBL) process for rental property providers. DOB typically contacts you within 10 business days to schedule after you submit an inspection request. The inspection is required to obtain/renew the rental-property-provider BBL.

What inspectors check

The inspection is a housing code compliance inspection. While specifics depend on property type and code issues found, common inspection items include:

The goal is to confirm that the rental meets DC's basic health and safety standards for tenants.

Inspection timeline and scheduling

Inspection time varies based on property size. For many single-family homes and smaller properties, it is often completed within an hour. Larger multifamily buildings can take longer.

Scheduling process

After you submit an inspection request, DOB typically contacts you within 10 business days to schedule. Scheduling can vary; plan 1-3+ weeks depending on availability and any fixes needed.

Important: The inspection itself has no cost, but re-inspection is $90 if you fail or reschedule late.

What happens if something fails?

If the inspector finds items that do not meet the standard, they are documented in the report. You must:

• Fix the issues (for example, adding detectors, addressing wiring issues, or correcting safety items)
• Pay the $90 reinspection fee
• Schedule a reinspection before renewal/issuance
• Pass the reinspection to proceed with BBL issuance/renewal

Note: If inspection fails or repairs are required, add 1-6+ weeks depending on scope and reinspection timing.

We help owners understand what the inspection report says in practical terms and coordinate what needs to happen next to move the license forward, including addressing any issues before the initial inspection to avoid reinspection fees.

How we help with inspections

As part of our District of Columbia rental license service, we can:

• Submit the inspection request and coordinate scheduling with DOB
• Help prepare your property to pass inspection on the first try (avoiding $90 reinspection fee)
• Review common inspection items and ensure your property meets DC's housing code standards
• Coordinate follow-up if reinspection is needed
• Ensure the inspection documentation is included correctly in your BBL application
• Track inspection status and next steps in the BBL process

Best practices for passing inspection

To avoid reinspection fees and delays, we recommend:

• Ensuring all smoke and CO alarms are installed and working
• Verifying electrical systems are safe and functional
• Checking that all doors and windows operate and lock properly
• Confirming heat and basic utilities are working
• Addressing any visible code violations or habitability issues before the inspection

We help identify potential issues before the inspection so you can address them proactively.