14 DCMR § 14-9902
LICENSE APPLICATION
Operative Text
9902.1 An application for a license issued under this chapter shall be made to the Director on a form prescribed by the Department, except as provided in § 9902.4. 9902.2 A host applying for a short-term rental license endorsement shall: (a) Provide evidence that he or she complies with the requirements of § 9901, including providing pictures to the Department upon request; (b) If the short-term rental is at the host’s primary residence within a condominium, cooperative, or homeowner association, provide an attestation on a form issued by the Department that the condominium, cooperative, or homeowner association permits the operation of a short-term rental; (c) State the number of rental units to be provided by the host on the host’s primary residence; (d) Pay the license fee for a short-term rental endorsement as established in 17 DCMR § 518 or a short-term rental: vacation rental endorsement as established in 17 DCMR § 519; (e) Provide an attestation that there is a valid Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit, if required under applicable District zoning laws or regulations; (f) Submit a Clean Hands Certification issued by the Office of Tax and Revenue or a Clean Hands self-certification on a form issued by the Department; and (g) Provide an attestation that the primary residence complies with the Housing Code (Title 14 DCMR) and Property Maintenance Code (Title 12-G DCMR). 9902.3 Each application shall be signed by the host and shall correctly set forth the information required on the application form. 9902.4 A booking service shall post information about license requirements for hosts on its website, may accept applications from hosts on its website, and may facilitate the application process for hosts, provided that all of the requirements under §§ 9902.2 and 9902.3 are satisfied.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-9902, anyone seeking a short-term rental license endorsement in the District of Columbia must submit a formal application to the Director using a Department-prescribed form. The application process requires demonstrating compliance with primary-residence rules, paying the applicable license fee, and providing attestations covering tax standing, occupancy certification, and housing code compliance. Booking services may assist hosts with the application process through their websites, but all substantive requirements must still be fully satisfied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating or planning to operate short-term rentals in DC should be familiar with the full checklist set out in D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-9902. Compliant operators typically gather documentation such as proof of primary residency, a Clean Hands Certification from the Office of Tax and Revenue, a valid Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit where required, and—if the property is within a condominium, cooperative, or HOA—an attestation that the association permits short-term rentals. Applications must be signed by the host and accurately reflect all required information before submission to the Department.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants who sublet or host guests in their primary residence, D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-9902 establishes the licensing framework that governs whether a short-term rental is operating lawfully in the District. If a tenant believes an unlicensed or improperly licensed short-term rental is affecting their building or housing situation, they may consider contacting the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options. Reviewing the requirements under § 14-9902 can help tenants identify whether a host in their building has met obligations such as housing code compliance attestations and proper fee payment.
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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