What is a rooming house?
A rooming house is a house that provides sleeping accommodations for a month or more for three or more people who are not immediate family.

Why does it matter if a rooming house is illegal?
It probably has not been inspected to make sure it meets city building, plumbing and electrical safety standards. That means it may not have protections, like smoke detectors, that could save your life.

 

I rent a couple of rooms to students or friends. Is this an illegal rooming house?
Probably not. But you still must have a basic business license (BBL) for housing. Please contact Business Licenses at (202) 442–4311 or by email to get rental accommodations licensing information.

There is a halfway house in my neighborhood...is that an illegal rooming house?
Generally no. Halfway houses and other community-based residential facilities (CBRFs) are regulated by the agencies that use their services. 

I am renting a room in a house with some other people. What should I do?
If the property is a two-family flat or has sleeping accommodations for three or more, call (202) 442-4589 to find out if it has a certificate of occupancy; call (202) 442-4311 to find out if it has a basic business license (BBL).  If it has a certificate and license you will know that the building meets building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning codes. If there is no BBL, you can report the property at (202) 442-4311.

How can I report an illegal rooming house in my neighborhood?
Call (202) 442-4477 or email. Give as much information as you can. DCRA will investigate and take enforcement action.