District of Columbia BBL Inspection Consent Form

All District of Columbia Landlords must get a Basic Business License in order to rent their property a required step of that process is a property inspection.




Basic Business License Procedures



The District of Columbia has some unique requirements for Landlords. The process varies slightly based on the number of units in your building, but here’s a general overview of the steps DC Landlords must follow in order to Lease residential real estate:

  1. Landlords of properties with two or more units must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). You can apply for that here.
  2. Register your property or business with the Office of Tax and Revenue.
  3. Complete the Basic Business License application online.
  4. Register to get a home inspection. This must be done within 45 days of completing the BBL Application. In order for inspectors to enter the property to complete this inspection, both the Landlord and Tenant must complete the BBL Inspection Consent Form.
  5. Register your property with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to either register as a rent-controlled unit or to request an exemption.



Being a DC Landlord isn’t EZ, but the right forms and tools can make all of the logistics much more manageable!

Pro Tip: If you’re a new Landlord in the area, it’s always a good idea to consult a local attorney to make sure you follow the necessary steps for your building or rental unit.


DC Rental Forms and Templates

In addition to some procedural steps and paperwork, DC Landlords will need forms to screen Tenants and manage their rental property.



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