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 -

A DC Requirement



Before you can collect a rent check, DC wants to make sure your place 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.

  • STEP 1: Basic Business License (BBL) Application and Clean Hands Certification

    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 wil 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

  • STEP 2: 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’ll 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 it's through an 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’ll receive a Confirmation Number and a Notice of Business Tax Registration by email or mail.

  • STEP 3: Rental Accommodations 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.

  • Bonus Step! Consider getting help! There are services available

    Sometimes an assist is in order. 


    If you prefer to hire a BBL/Rad Form expediter, we recommend:  


    RentJiffy


    BBL Processors (Nest clients receive 10% off).

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.