D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3508.06
Incentives for development of single-room-occupancy housing.
Operative Text
(a) The Mayor may provide tax abatements and deferral or forgiveness of water and sewer fees and other indebtedness to the District as incentives for the development of single-room-occupancy housing for low- and moderate-income tenants. These incentives shall be provided pursuant to negotiations and written agreements between the Mayor and housing providers engaged in the development or operation of single-room-occupancy housing accommodations. In these negotiations and written agreements, the Mayor may establish a formula for abating property tax liability for properties developed pursuant to this section for a period of not more than 10 years beginning during the first year that newly-constructed or rehabilitated single-room-occupancy housing becomes available for occupancy. (b) The incentives provided by this section shall be available for new construction, renovation of any vacant rental housing accommodation, or renovation of any non-housing property, whether vacant or not, for single-room-occupancy housing. (c) To qualify for the incentives provided by this section, the housing provider shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Mayor that the single-room-occupancy housing meets the following minimum standards: (1) Rental rates are affordable for low- and moderate-income tenants and reflect costs offset by the tax abatements and deferral or forgiveness of indebtedness to the District provided pursuant to this section; (2) The location is in compliance with the Zoning Regulations of the District of Columbia; (3) Each rental unit includes no less than 95 square feet of space, and a clothing storage unit; (4) Toilet and shower or bathing facilities are provided on each floor where tenants reside, in a reasonable size to meet the needs of the tenants residing on that floor; (5) A common-space day room, kitchen, and laundry facilities sufficient to meet the needs of all tenants at 100% occupancy are provided; (6) A 24-hour security system, either manual or electronic, is provided; and (7) The housing accommodation has a resident manager who resides on the premises. (d) Within 180 days from August 25, 1994, the Mayor shall compile, provide to the Council, and publish in the District of Columbia Register an initial list of District-owned and privately-owned properties in the District that are available and suitable for the development of single-room-occupancy housing in accordance with this section. At least annually thereafter, the Mayor shall publish a revised list and provide a written report to the Council regarding the status of single-room-occupancy housing development at these and other sites.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3508.06 authorizes the Mayor of the District of Columbia to offer financial incentives—including property tax abatements and relief from water, sewer, and other District fees—to encourage the development of single-room-occupancy (SRO) housing for low- and moderate-income residents. These incentives are granted through negotiated written agreements and may cover tax abatement for up to ten years. To qualify, SRO properties must meet specific minimum standards covering unit size, shared facilities, security, and on-site management, and rental rates must reflect the savings passed along from the incentives.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Housing providers interested in developing or operating SRO housing in the District generally pursue the incentives available under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3508.06 by entering into written agreements with the Mayor's office that document how the property will meet the law's minimum standards. Compliant operators typically ensure each unit contains at least 95 square feet and a clothing storage unit, that shared toilet and bathing facilities are available on every occupied floor, and that common-space amenities, laundry, a 24-hour security system, and a resident manager are in place. Rental rates must be set at levels affordable to low- and moderate-income tenants and must reflect the cost offsets provided by any tax abatements or fee forgiveness received under the agreement.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3508.06 establishes that SRO housing developed under these incentives must meet specific habitability and affordability standards, meaning tenants in qualifying properties are entitled to units of at least 95 square feet, adequate shared bathroom facilities on each occupied floor, common-space amenities, on-site security, and a resident manager. Rental rates in these properties are required to be affordable for low- and moderate-income tenants and to reflect the financial benefits the housing provider receives from the District. Tenants who believe a property receiving these incentives is not meeting the required standards may consider contacting the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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