This article is ONLY for those who have paid for the RentJiffy inspection service whereby we schedule and meet the inspector. If you did not hire RentJiffy to handle your inspections you will need to contact DC about your inspection and its possible reschedule.
All inspections are handled by the DC Government, which means we are required to follow their inclement weather policy. In case of inclement weather, we will have three possible scenarios to work with. Not to worry, because all three scenarios keep in mind your best interests.
DC Government closes for the day
If the DC Government closes, your inspection will be canceled without penalty, and it will be automatically rescheduled for the next available date. You will receive notice of the new date by email, typically within 48 hours of the DC Government reopening.
DC Government opens late and cancels all inspections
It’s our experience that on days when the DC Government opens late, they also cancel all inspections in order to keep extra traffic off of the roads. Please keep in mind that this is a possibility. In this case, as soon we are informed that inspections have been canceled, we will notify you the same day, by email, as quickly as possible. If this happens, the DC Government will reschedule your inspection, without penalty, for the soonest available date.
DC Government opens late and proceeds with inspections
If the DC Government opens late and proceeds with inspections, then we will handle your inspection as planned.
We recommend that you check WTOP’s Closings & Delays website for accurate information on government closings and late starts in the D.C. area. Or you can listen to WTOP radio at 103.5 FM.
Note: RentJiffy, as a business office, also follows the DC Government inclement weather policy, As such, we will not open in the event of a day-long closure, but we will open late if the Government does so.
Friendly reminder
If you have sidewalks in front of your property, the D.C. law requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, handicap ramps, and steps abutting their property, within the first eight daylight hours after the snow, sleet, or ice stops falling. (DC Code, 2001 Ed., § 9-601.) This applies to all property owners – residential, commercial, federal, and municipal. If ice cannot be cleared without damaging the sidewalk, then property owners may spread sand or salt to make the sidewalks safe. (DC Code, 2001 Ed., § 9-604.) Property owners must also clear snow from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps. These are part of the sidewalk. Property owners are also asked to clear snow from catch basins and storm drains to prevent flooding during snowmelt. D.C. does issue fines and penalties for failing to follow the DC Code requirements.
Please communicate this information to any other person(s), such as tenants, property managers, or others, who need to be aware of this information.
Stay warm and safe through the upcoming storms, and it looks like we’ll have a few this year. If you love the snow, get out and enjoy, but make sure to bundle up. If you are not a cold weather/snow fan, remember that spring is almost here!