Basic Business License: You Need One

What Every Rental Needs in the District

(don't confuse BBL with the Brazilian butt lift)



Four Steps to Getting Your Basic Business License

Before you collect rent, DC ensures rental is safe, sound, and renter-ready. That means… scheduling your housing inspection with the Department of Buildings (DOB) and getting a Basic Business License. Here are instructions below that should help you through the process.

  • Choose Your Expeditor

    We require all clients to engage an expeditor to move through the licensure process with support.  


    Why don't we do it for you? Because we're focused on marketing, leasing, maintenance and management. The expeditor is focused ONLY on licensure and District of Columbia compliance.  


    With the focus and dedication of an expeditor, the stress is reduced and success is increased.  


    We recommend working with BBL Processors

     a Woman Owned Business entity.



    Rent Jiffy

    About:  15+ years supporting landlords registering their properties.  Their website has extensive information on the licensure process including with a lot of helpful Q+A. They can support the inspection process - offered registered agent services and tax registration along with licensure


  • Learn about BBL and Clean Hands Requirements

    Learn all about DC Rental Business Licenses at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website. 


    To apply for your rental BBL, log in at My DC Business Center using Access DC credentials 


    Choose "Apply for new Basic Business License"


    Select the correct type:

    • One-Family Rental
    • Two-Family Rental
    • Apartment House (3+ units) 

    Provide property and owner details; upload required documents:


    Self‑certification form


    Pay the fee:  

    One-family: $198

    Two-family: $283.80

    Multi-unit: varies (e.g., 3 units ~$450 +)


    You will need to schedule a property inspection with DC.  Let us know how we can help set you up for success (a pass on the first try). Reach out to onboarding@nest-dc.com

  • Tax Registration

    Let's keep making progress!


    Go to MyTax.DC.gov

    • Click "Sign Up for MyTax.DC.gov" (top right corner) If you already have an account, just log in.
    • Choose "Start a New Business Registration (FR-500)" (You will find this option under “Register a New Business.”)
    • Select “Rental of Real Property” as your business activity
    • Choose this under the General Business Activities section
    • Enter the property address
    • Be sure to enter the DC rental property address (not your home if it’s different).
    • Complete owner information
    • If you own as an individual, use your name and SSN.

    If your rental is in a LLC, enter your business name and EIN.

    • Select “Sales and Use Tax” and “Unincorporated Franchise Tax” (if applicable) Note:  most rental property owners will not collect sales tax, but select "Rental of Residential Real Property" to be safe.
    • Submit the registration

    Once submitted, you will receive a Confirmation Number and a Notice of Business Tax Registration by email or mail.

  • Getting your Rental Accommodations Division form (RAD)

    What does a RAD form do?  It adds your property to the DC rental housing database and is a requirement to be properly licensed. It is what exempts your property from rent control, if eligible. 


    Visit DC's RentRegistry portal to register your property's RAD form. 


    This form ensures tenants and the city know who’s the owner of the property (you) and who is managing the property (us).


    Most individual landlords use the "Small Landlord/Exempt – Fewer Than Four Rental Units” option.


Owner COmpliance FAQ


  • How much time does it take to go through the BBL process?

    If you have all your ducks in a row - you can knock this out in a few weeks, including inspection. Sometimes ducks doesn't cooperate, and many times they don't want to line up in a row - in which case it could take longer. 


    Getting paperwork together and setting aside the time to start the process as early as possible is the best bet. 

  • What if I don't have a BBL and my unit is rented?

    If an applicant for a Basic Business License currently has tenants/residents residing at the rental property, a ​BBL Inspections Consent Form​ ​must be completed by the current residents before inspectors can enter the unit(s).  


    On dob.dc.gov under "Basic Business License Inspection Tenant Consent Form" — click the PDF link.


    It’s often used for both BBL inspections and proactive inspections.

  • Do I send Nest DC the paperwork?


    YES! We need a copy of your BBL and your RAD form - please send to onboarding@nest-dc.com.

  • Is there a DC Guide to management?

    Yes! The city published:  "Being or Becoming a Landord in the District"  It's a bit dated, but so is the DC government.  It's helpful to read - and we're on top of any changes.