Overview
When the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) formally accepts a Housing Provider’s RAD Form 1 registration (also called a Rent Registry filing), you are required by DC law to provide a copy of the completed, stamped and numbered registration form to each of your tenant(s). You'll receive immediate notification of acceptance of your filing directly from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Rental Accommodations Division—this article walks you through exactly what to do next to fulfill this legal requirement.
Important: This is a separate legal obligation from filing the registration form itself. The registration isn't considered complete until you've properly served your tenants.
Why This Matters
DC regulations (CDCR 14-4101.7) state that a rental unit is "deemed unregistered" until you provide proper notice to tenants. This means:
You cannot legally increase rent on an unregistered unit
You cannot reduce or eliminate services for an unregistered unit
Even if your unit qualifies for an exemption from the rent control portion of the Rental Housing Act, you won't benefit from having the exemption until you complete the tenant notification requirement
The regulations require this notification because tenants have a legal right to know the registration status of their rental unit and whether the Housing Provider is claiming any exemptions from rent control.
Your Timeline
You have 15 days from the date RAD issues your registration or exemption number to serve your tenants.
Due to the way DC's system is currently set up, you will receive immediate notification of acceptance of your RAD Form 1 (if it is approved) directly from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Rental Accommodations Division (RAD). The 15-day clock starts when you receive that acceptance notification from RAD.
RentJiffy will also provide you with the stamped and numbered form you need for tenant notification, but the actual service to tenants is your responsibility as the Housing Provider.
How to Serve Your Tenants: Two Scenarios
The method you use depends on your property type. The regulations provide different requirements based on whether you have a multi-unit building or a single family rental unit.
Scenario 1: Multi-Unit Building with Common Areas
When this applies: Your building has multiple rental units AND has common elements (hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms, mailbox areas, etc.) that you own, manage, or maintain.
What to do: Post a true photocopy of your stamped and numbered Registration/Claim of Exemption Form in a conspicuous place on the premises.
Requirements:
The copy must show the registration or exemption number issued by RAD
The location must be conspicuous (clearly visible and accessible to all tenants)
Common posting locations include: main entrance lobby, near mailboxes, community bulletin board, laundry room
Keep the copy posted continuously until you file a new or amended registration and replace if you find it has been removed.
Why this method exists: For multi-unit buildings, posting in a common area ensures all current and future tenants have ongoing access to the registration information without requiring individual service to each unit.
Scenario 2: Single-Unit Rental OR No Suitable Posting Location
When this applies:
You're renting out a single-family home, condo, or apartment (no other units in the building under your ownership/management), OR
You have a multi-unit building but no suitable common area for posting (example: separate entrances for each unit with no shared interior space)
What to do: Serve each tenant individually using one of the three approved methods below.
Service Method 1: Hand Delivery (Personal Service)
Deliver the document by:
Handing it directly to the tenant, OR
Leaving it at the tenant's place of business with a responsible person in charge, OR
Leaving it at the tenant's usual place of residence with a person of suitable age and discretion
Service Method 2: First Class Mail
Mail the document via United States Postal Service first-class mail, properly stamped and addressed to the tenant's rental unit address.
Note: The regulations specify "first class mail"—this means regular USPS mail with proper postage. Certified mail is not required (though you may choose to use it for your own record-keeping). Take and retain a photo of the stamped and addressed envelope.
Service Method 3: Electronic Delivery (If Previously Authorized)
Send the document electronically ONLY if:
The tenant has previously consented in writing to receive notices, petitions, or other documents under the Rental Housing Act electronically, AND
The tenant has not withdrawn that consent
Important limitation: You cannot require tenants to accept electronic service. This must be their voluntary choice, documented in writing, and they can revoke it at any time.
What Document to Provide
Provide a true copy (clear and complete copy) of your Registration/Claim of Exemption Form that includes:
All information you submitted
The registration or exemption number assigned by the Rental Accommodations Division
All pages of the form
Do not provide:
A draft or un-numbered/not stamped version of the form
Just a confirmation email or receipt
A summary or excerpt
Tenants are entitled to see the complete form as filed with RAD.
Common Questions
Q: Can RentJiffy serve my tenants for me? No, RentJiffy does not offer this service. This is the Housing Provider's legal responsibility. If you have a property manager, you should consult with them to determine whether they will handle this as part of their property management services.
Q: How will I know when my registration is accepted? You will receive immediate notification directly from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) when your RAD Form 1 is accepted. This is due to the way DC's system is set up. Your 15-day timeline to serve tenants begins when you receive that notification from RAD.
Q: Can I just email all my tenants a copy? Only if each tenant has previously provided written consent to receive documents electronically under the Rental Housing Act, and has not withdrawn that consent. Otherwise, you must use hand delivery or mail.
Q: What if I have 50 units? Do I really need to mail 50 copies? If your building has common areas (hallways, lobbies, etc.), you can post one copy in a conspicuous common location instead of serving each tenant individually. If you don't have suitable common areas, individual service is required.
Q: What happens if I forget to serve my tenants? Your registration is not considered complete until you serve your tenants. This means you cannot implement rent increases, cannot claim exemption benefits, and technically remain in an "unregistered" status even though you filed with RAD. You should serve them as soon as you realize the oversight.
Q: Do I need proof of service? While the regulation doesn't explicitly require proof, it's highly recommended that you keep documentation:
For posting: Take a dated photo of the posted notice in its location
For mail: Keep a photo of the addressed and stamped envelope or mailing receipt
For hand delivery: Note the date, time, and person who received it
For electronic: Save the sent email and any delivery confirmation
This documentation protects you if there's ever a question about whether you properly completed the service requirement.
Q: What if my tenants moved in after I posted the registration—do I need to serve them individually? No. If you have a multi-unit building and properly posted the registration in a common area, that posting satisfies the requirement for all current and future tenants as long as it remains posted. New tenants moving in can see the posted registration.
Q: The regulation mentions keeping it posted "for the duration of its validity"—how long is that? Keep it posted until you're required to file a new or amended registration. This happens when there are changes to your property (such as unit conversions, exemption status changes, or other circumstances listed in CDCR 14-4101.3).
Legal Reference
This article is based on:
CDCR 14-4101.6: Registration Requirements and Notice (tenant service requirements)
CDCR 14-4101.7: Consequences of failure to provide notice
CDCR 14-4200.16: Methods of service
These regulations are part of the District of Columbia's Rental Housing Act of 1985.
Important Legal Notices
Source Attribution: This article was adapted from regulatory guidance provided by the District of Columbia Rental Accommodations Division on December 17, 2025.
Informational Purposes Only: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate information based on current DC regulations, these regulations are codified DC law and may be amended or changed without notice by the DC Government and/or DC City Council.
Housing Providers should verify current requirements with the Rental Accommodations Division or consult with a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date regulations applicable to their specific situation.