Mayor Fenty Issues Order to Suspend Business License for Short-Term
Residential Rentals during 2009 Presidential Inauguration period
Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty issued an Executive Order,
temporarily suspending the enforcement of the District’s regulations
that require residents to have a basic business license for short-term
rentals of residential property on and around Inauguration Day.
The rental of residential units normally requires a Basic
Business License and, in addition, may require a Certificate of
Occupancy.
According to Mayor Fenty, “We think it is important to provide
visitors, who may not have access to a hotel in the area, a chance to
witness this historic event.”
“We issued this Order in response to the expected
unprecedented demand for accommodations here in the District,” said
Attorney General Peter Nickles.
The Order will only apply to properties being used for residential
purposes to lodge individuals during the Inauguration period. District
residents will be permitted to rent their units beginning on or after
January 13, 2009, and ending on or before January 27, 2009.
During this period the District will not enforce licensing and
certificate of occupancy requirements with respect to leases and
rentals that fall entirely within the provided timeframe. However,
residents will be required to comply with any tax obligations that
arise from leasing activity.
DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director
Linda K. Argo said she urges residents and visitors to take caution.
“The reason rental licensing laws exist in the first place is to ensure
housing is safe and clean,” Argo said. “We encourage anyone coming to
the District to do as much as they can to check out their
accommodations before they arrive. We also encourage residents to be
just as careful if they choose to take advantage of this opportunity to
rent out their home.”