Getting Your Rental Ducks In A Row

Login to your owner portal and pay your $1,000 property reserve, noted as a working capital reserve in your contract.

Here is a 90 second video to explain things clearly. 

We won't sugar coat it. Licensing your rental property in Washington, DC  is a pain. But it's very doable with some time and patience. 

Use this Nest DC BBL resource page to find step-by-step instructions for the registration process. If you have questions about DC licensing requirements, reach out to us at onboarding@nest-dc.com.

We set aside time to connect with new clients by video to support your onboarding in real time.  There will be some follow up - but this time should make things much less daunting.

What to have ready: 

• Banking Info: Your bank account details.
• The Basics: Property details, appliance info, and utility accounts.
• Access: Key details and building bylaws (for condos).
• Compliance: Photo ID, W9, Social Security Card, and Deed.
• Safety Docs: Lead Disclosure forms and your Certificate of Insurance.
• Nest Tip:  If you're missing the BBL, RAD form, or Lead forms, don't sweat it—we have specific instructions to help you grab those quickly. We can even pull your Deed for you for a $30 fee. 

After you meet with us - make sure all the papwerwork and the questionnaire is done. 

1. Banking & Logistics

• Payout Info: Your bank routing and account numbers so we can send your monthly proceeds.
• Availability: The specific date your property will be ready for a new resident.
• Access: Detailed info on keys, fobs, or smart locks (see our Key Guide above).

2. Property Specs

• The Operations: Details on your home’s systems (HVAC, water heater) and kitchen appliances.
• Utilities: Account numbers for Pepco, Washington Gas, DC Water, and internet - along with meter details and access information for hook up.
• Condos: A copy of your building’s bylaws, rules, and regulations.

3. Compliance & ID

• Personal ID: A copy of your Photo ID, Social Security Card, and a signed W9.
• Ownership: A copy of your Deed. (Pro Tip: We can pull this for you for a $30 fee if you can't find yours).
• Licensing: Your Basic Business License (BBL) and RAD Form.

4. Safety & Insurance

• Insurance: A Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing Nest DC as "Additional Insured."
• Lead Safety: Signed Federal (EPA) and DC Lead Disclosure Forms.

We can't manage if we can't get in.  Two ways to give us access. Sorting out keys is the first order of business.  Here are the two options

1. Mail four full sets of keys + fobs (codes)

2. Mail one full set of keys and  fobs to us - we make copies for residents. Fee: $200

Important:  Please offer any additional information regarding access to the unit (building codes/management company for fobs/keys that cannot be copied etc.). Just reply to this email and we will update our records.  

Just as important:  If you send keys and they don't work (sadly this happens a lot) we'll need to work on re-keying or another path to access. Those costs vary depending on the situation.  

If sending keys - please send certified mail to: 

      Nest DC

      c/o Jessica / leasing 

      87 Florida Ave NW

      Washington, DC 20001

Ask your agent to convert your homeowner’s policy to a "Rental Dwelling Policy" that meets these two  requirements:

$1M Liability Coverage (An umbrella policy works if your current provider has a lower limit).

Nest DC listed as "Additional Insured" (Use onboarding@nest-dc.com as the contact).

Once you have the Certificate of Insurance, email it to onboarding@nest-dc.com

Struggling to find a provider? Just ask — we have a few local recommendations that know our requirements well.

Beautiful photos are why Nest DC homes always stand out in a busy marketplace.  

We will coordinate a 30–60 minute session with our professional real estate photographers between 9am and 4pm (when the light is best).

Prep Tips:

• Clear the clutter and do a quick dust/sweep.
• Put away  personal photos and valuables.
• Blinds are up for great light
• Toilet seats down

We'll have your listing live and we will begin scheduling showings 1-2 days after we have phtoos. 

If you still live in the space and moving out shortly, be ready for showings to take place with notice. 

If your move-out date is more than 60 days out, we will get all of the prep work completed (photos and listing drafted) and will be ready to list when we hit the 60-45-day mark!