14 DCMR § 14-202
INSPECTION OF PREMISES
Operative Text
202.1 As a condition of licensure, a licensee shall allow the Department, and any other District government agency responsible for enforcement of the housing and building regulations, to inspect its housing business premises. 202.2 A licensee shall: (a) Comply with all statutes and regulations relating to: (1) The presence of rodents, waste storage and disposal, and maintenance of waste containers; (2) Maintenance of the common areas of the housing business under the licensee’s control so that they are free of trash and debris; and (3) Ensuring that grass or weeds are maintained at a height of less than ten (10) inches; (b) Maintain the premises in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of the D.C. Official Code, the District Property Maintenance Code (subtitle G of 12 DCMR), and the District fire prevention and control laws and regulations; and (c) Comply with all other District and federal statutes and regulations that govern housing businesses. 202.3 The Director shall determine whether a licensee is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the business license laws and regulations and shall require that the building or part of the building to be licensed complies with the applicable building and housing laws and regulations. 202.4 In accordance with § 202.1, the Director may develop a housing inspection program establishing a regular system of inspections for licensees, with more frequent inspections for any licensee found to be in violation of the applicable building and housing statutes or regulations.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 14-202 establishes that licensed housing businesses in the District of Columbia must permit government inspections as a fundamental condition of holding a license. The rule sets out specific maintenance standards covering pest control, waste management, common-area cleanliness, vegetation height, fire safety, and general property upkeep. The Director of the relevant agency is authorized to assess compliance and may implement a structured inspection schedule, including more frequent visits for operators with prior violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 14-202, licensed housing operators in D.C. are required to keep their premises open to inspection by the Department and any other relevant District agency at any time as a condition of licensure. Compliant operators generally maintain common areas free of trash and debris, keep grass and weeds below ten inches, manage waste storage properly, and ensure the property meets the District Property Maintenance Code, fire prevention regulations, and all applicable D.C. and federal housing statutes. Operators with a history of violations should be aware that § 14-202.4 authorizes the Director to schedule more frequent inspections for non-compliant licensees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 14-202 gives District government agencies the authority to inspect licensed housing business premises and requires that those premises meet a range of health, safety, and maintenance standards — including pest control, waste management, common-area cleanliness, and fire safety compliance. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to fall short of these standards — such as persistent rodent problems, accumulation of trash in common areas, or overgrown vegetation — may have grounds to report concerns to the relevant District enforcement agency. Tenant-rights organizations in D.C. can help residents understand how § 14-202 intersects with other housing code protections and what complaint or reporting options may be available.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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