For New Licensing Customers
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RentJiffy currently operates two separate customer portals with different login systems. This guide will help you access the right portal for your services.
Our Two Portals
www.rentjiffy.com (Original Portal - Since 2013)
Services available here:
- Business licensing services
- Certificate of Occupancy applications
- Basic Business License applications
- Historical orders placed before June 2025
rj3.rentjiffy.com (New Portal - Launched June 2025)
Services available here:
- Registered Agent services
- Rent Registry applications
- Business licensing services (migration in progress)
- All new orders for these services
Important: These Portals Have Separate Login Systems
Your login credentials are not shared between portals. An account at www.rentjiffy.com will not automatically work at rj3.rentjiffy.com, and vice versa.
Common Login Issues and Solutions
"No account found" error message
Problem: You're trying to log into the wrong portal. Solution: Check which portal you used to place your order:
- For Registered Agent or Rent Registry services → Use rj3.rentjiffy.com
- For older licensing orders (before June 2025) → Use www.rentjiffy.com
Can't see your recent order after logging in
Problem: You're logged into www.rentjiffy.com but placed your order on rj3.rentjiffy.com. Solution: Log into rj3.rentjiffy.com to view:
- Registered Agent services
- Rent Registry applications
- Any orders placed on the new portal
First time visiting rj3.rentjiffy.com
Even if you have an account at www.rentjiffy.com, you'll need to activate a new account at rj3.rentjiffy.com. Click "Sign Up" or "Activate Account" to get started.
Quick Reference: Where Should I Go?
If you need to access... Go to... Registered Agent services rj3.rentjiffy.com Rent Registry applications rj3.rentjiffy.com Recent business license orders rj3.rentjiffy.com (if placed recently) Older business license orders www.rentjiffy.com Orders from before June 2025 www.rentjiffy.com What's Happening with Business Licensing?
We're currently migrating business licensing services from www.rentjiffy.com to rj3.rentjiffy.com. During this transition:
- New business license orders are still placed at www.rentjiffy.com
- Once your account has been migrated, you'll receive an email notification
- After receiving the migration email, you can view your license file at rj3.rentjiffy.com
- Until you receive the migration email, continue using www.rentjiffy.com for all business licensing needs
We apologize for any confusion during this transition period. We're working to consolidate all services into one unified portal in the future.
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If you've recently received a notice or email about the DC Rent Registry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this important filing requirement and how RentJiffy can help you stay compliant.
What is the Rent Registry?
The Rent Registry is a mandatory one-time filing requirement for all residential rental properties in Washington, D.C., administered by the Department of Buildings (DOB) and coordinated with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
The Registry serves to maintain an accurate record of all rental housing in the District, identify which properties are subject to rent control versus those that are exempt (and on what grounds), and track ownership, tenancy, and rental status to inform policy and enforcement efforts.
Important Note: If you've previously registered for rent control or filed for exemption from rent control and this process seems familiar, that's because it essentially is the same information. DC has transitioned to an electronic system and requires all landlords to register again through this new platform to maintain compliance. Yes, it's redundant, but it's required.
Who is required to file?
All landlords who hold a Basic Business License (BBL) for residential rental housing must complete the Rent Registry filing. This requirement applies regardless of whether your property is currently rented or vacant, whether it's rent-controlled or exempt, or what type of property you own—whether it's a single-family home, condo, apartment, or multi-unit building.
The only exception is if you hold only a Short-Term Rental License. In that case, you are not required to file the Rent Registry.
When is the Rent Registry due?
The filing deadline is November 29, 2025 for all landlords. This is a one-time filing requirement, not an annual obligation.
What information is required?
To complete your Rent Registry filing, you'll need to provide several categories of information:
General Property Information You'll need your property's complete address and your Basic Business License number.
Ownership Information This includes the owner's name and contact information, plus Registered Agent details if applicable.
Rental Use Details The filing requires information about whether the property is currently rented, the date the rental began or is expected to begin, whether the unit is subject to rent control, and if exempt from rent control, the specific basis for that exemption. You'll also need to indicate tenant occupancy status, whether there's a written lease and its duration, and the current monthly rent amount if applicable.
For information you should have handy when you begin the application, please review our support article: What information will I need in advance to complete the Rent Registry filing?
What if your property is exempt from rent control?
Even if your property is exempt from rent control, you still need to file the Rent Registry. During the filing process, make sure to complete the Rent Control Exemption Qualification Survey. It will help you determine what exemptions you may qualify for. Keep in mind for some exemptions, additional documentation may be needed. The system will let you know should that be the case.
Consequences of not filing
Failure to file the Rent Registry by the November 29, 2025 deadline can result in serious consequences including fines and penalties from the District, suspension or delay of your rental license renewal, and for rent-controlled properties, ineligibility to raise rent.
Impact on rent-controlled properties
If your property is subject to rent control, completing the Rent Registry filing is now a prerequisite before you can register a rent increase. This makes timely filing especially critical for rent-controlled properties.
Legal and tax considerations
While RentJiffy handles the filing process and ensures your forms are submitted properly, we cannot provide legal or tax advice. For questions about legal or tax implications related to the Rent Registry, please consult your tax professional or CPA, the Business Tax Division at the Office of Tax and Revenue, or the Rental Accommodations Division at DHCD.
Getting started with RentJiffy
Ready to complete your Rent Registry filing before the November 29, 2025 deadline? Check out our article "How Do I Start My Rent Registry Filing With DC?" for detailed instructions on how to begin the process.
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For Basic Business License Inspections (Initial or Re-inspection)
You have two options for scheduling a Basic Business License inspection. Please choose only one, as using both options could cause unintended negative consequences for your inspection.
Option 1: RentJiffy Inspection Service ($75 Fee):
- Complete this form: RentJiffy – Schedule My Inspection.
- You will be asked to pay the inspection fee, and we will order the new inspection date ASAP.
Option 2: Schedule the Inspection Directly with DC:
- Complete the Basic Business License One/Two Family Inspection Request found on DOB's website.
- If requesting a re-inspection, you will be asked for a registration number. This is the CAP number listed on your DC Government-issued failed inspection report. This number will appear in the format 25BBL-INSP-XXXXX.
- Once you receive a passed inspection report, email a copy to support@rentjiffy.com with your rental property address and "PASSED" in the subject line. We must submit this report to the DC Business Licensing Office to advance your application to the license issuance phase.
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The timeline for receiving your inspection report depends on the type of inspection.
Basic Business License Inspections
The DC Office of Residential Inspections has up to 5 business days to provide the final Basic Business License inspection report. This longer timeline is necessary because a supervisor must review and approve all findings before the report is issued. Please note that because of this supervisory review, the final report findings may differ from what the inspector communicated verbally during the inspection.
If you hired RentJiffy to handle your inspection: Once we receive the report from DC Government, we'll email it to you typically within 24 business hours.If we have not received your report by the morning of the 6th business day after your inspection, we automatically escalate the request to a supervisor at the DC Office of Residential Inspections.
Certificate of Occupancy Inspections
DC Government typically issues the final Certificate of Occupancy inspection report within 48 business hours after the inspection is completed.
If you hired RentJiffy to handle your inspection: Once we receive the report from DC Government, we'll forward it to you within 24 business hours.
Knowledge base
General Information
Info Based On Your Property Type
FAQ
- Can I start applications for the Basic Business License or the Certificate of Occupancy before I settle/own a property?
- Am I required to have a property manager?
- Who needs a Rental Property License?
- How Long Does It Take To Obtain A License?
- I started my application process without RentJiffy. Can RentJiffy finish it?
- Does RentJiffy handle Basic Business Licenses and/or Certificates of Occupancy for other than residential rentals?
License Expediting
- What Are the Next Steps After I Submit My Application? (New License Only)
- What to Expect After Submitting Your License Renewal Application
- I Haven't Received My DC Business Tax Registration Notice - How Do I Get It?
- Understanding Blank Fields in Your Electronic Signing Documents
- Help: I did not receive my documents to sign
Registered Agent Services
Home Inspection Services
General Information
- Can I Use One Basic Business License for Multiple Properties in DC?
- Can I Rent My Property Before Obtaining a License in Washington, DC?
- I've been renting but have not been licensed. What consequences should I expect?
- I am renting out a room(s) in my house. Do I need a license to rent and if so, what kind do I need?
- I have an English Basement unit and live upstairs. Am I required to have a license?
- Can I Add Another Property to My Existing DC Rental Property License? See all 9 articles
Maintaining Your License
- Trying to Renew Your License but the Renew Now Button Isn't There?
- How to Renew My License through RentJiffy
- How to Update Information on Your Basic Business License in DC
- How do I add or remove an owner to my current license?
- My license has expired and I want to renew it (or get another one)
- Name change because of marriage, divorce, or other legal change See all 9 articles
No Longer Renting
Registered Agent FAQ
General Information
- What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
- Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?
- Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy to rent my condo or coop?
- Do I need a certificate of occupancy in addition to a business license to rent a property?
- How Can I Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?
- How Can I Obtain a Change of Ownership for a Certificate of Occupancy? See all 7 articles
How To Obtain A New Certificate of Occupancy
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Start Here: Quick Tax Guide for New Landlords
General Information
- I am not a US citizen and do not have a green card or permanent resident status. I am not required to pay US taxes. Why have I been registered for business taxes or have to pay taxes to D.C.?
- I am an employee of a foreign government or international organization (e.g., the World Bank or the IMF). I do not have to pay US taxes. Why have I been registered for these taxes?
- I am an active-duty US military service member whose state of legal residency is not in Washington, D.C. Why does this apply to me?
- I am not a resident of Washington, D.C. Am I required to file or pay these taxes?
- How can I create a MyTax account?
- I do not have a Social Security Number. How can I apply for a D.C. housing Basic Business License? See all 11 articles
Business Tax Registration
Clean Hands
- Understanding the DC Clean Hands Mandate
- How long does it take to achieve clean hands?
- How can I check whether I have clean hands with D.C. Government?
- How can I obtain a Certificate of Clean Hands?
- If I am late filing any of my taxes will I be considered non-compliant?
- If I owe a debt and have a payment plan with the Office of Tax and Revenue can I get a Certificate of Clean Hands?
Filing Tax Returns
Rent Registry
- Understanding the DC Rent Registry: A Complete Guide
- How to Complete the Rate of Return Worksheet for Traditionally Owned Rental Properties
- How to Complete the Rate of Return Worksheet for Co-op Units
- Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your DC Rent Registry with RentJiffy
- What information will I need in advance to complete the Rent Registry filing?
Start Here
General Information
Exemptions
Maintaining Your Registration
Overview & Basics
- How Long Do I Have to Make Repairs After a Failed BBL Inspection?
- I had a home inspection when I purchased my property. Do I still need another inspection, or can I submit my existing inspection report?
- What is a Proactive Inspection?
- What is the Proactive Inspection Program?
- What is a Zoning Use Inspection?
- What is a Notice of Infraction or NOI? See all 7 articles