Proactive Inspection FAQs
What is the Proactive Inspection Program?
It's a property maintenance inspection program designed to routinely evaluate District properties with three or more rental units for code compliance.
How did my property get included in the program?
Properties with three or more rental units are automatically enrolled and are subject to both proactive inspections and billing for the program fee based on the rental license renewal cycle.
Why am I receiving a bill for the Proactive Inspection Program fee?
All District rental property owners with properties containing three or more units will receive a Proactive Inspection Program bill, either on a two-year or four-year cycle corresponding to their rental license billing cycle. (See 14 DCMR § 207.) All specific billing questions should be discussed with the Proactive Inspection Program staff at [email protected].
Will the bill coincide with the Basic Business License renewal?
Yes.
How is the Proactive Inspection Program fee calculated?
The Proactive Inspection Program fee is $35 per unit with a maximum cumulative fee of $2,000 biennially. (See 14 DCMR § 207.)
For any re-inspection DOB conducts, a $90 fee is assessed.
Do I need to register my property?
No. All properties with three or more rental units are automatically enrolled. However, you are required to obtain a Basic Business License (BBL) for your housing rental properties. For BBL questions, contact the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) at (202) 671- 4500 or dlcp.dc.gov.
Who should I contact if I have a BBL for my housing rental property, but I never received a Proactive Inspection?
For BBL questions, contact DLCP at (202) 671- 4500 or dlcp.dc.gov.
How do I know if my property is scheduled to be inspected?
Visit our website to see inspections schedules. These are posted a week prior to the beginning of the month for which the next series of inspections are scheduled.
In addition, a letter is mailed to the responsible party on record, and the property is posted with a Notice of Inspection one week before the scheduled inspection date.
How often must I get inspected?
Properties with a higher degree of compliance are inspected less frequently. Properties with a higher degree of non-compliance to code and safety regulations are inspected more often. All properties that are re-inspected due to non-compliance with cited violations will be charged a $90 re-inspection fee.
What if the information listed on my invoice is not accurate?
DOB makes every effort to maintain accurate property information, but in the event any information listed on the invoice is inaccurate, please provide the correct information with supporting documentation through the online payment portal. You may also confirm your contact information on the portal.
How can I apply for a refund?
Please fill out our Refund Application Form and email it to [email protected].
How are properties selected for inspection?
Each property is selected based upon a random selection process that includes properties in all eight wards. Properties may also be scheduled for a Proactive Inspection if DOB receives a substantial number of inspection requests from tenants.
How do I find out more about the Proactive Inspection Program?
Visit the Proactive Inspection Program.