We understand it can be frustrating to have an “all-day” inspection window. Unfortunately, the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) does not provide shorter arrival windows until the morning of your scheduled inspection, once an inspector has been assigned and has finalized their route.
This article explains what to expect for both Basic Business License (BBL) inspections and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) inspections, and how the process differs depending on whether RentJiffy is coordinating your inspection or you are managing it directly.
Basic Business License (BBL) Inspections
General Timing
Inspection hours: Between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the scheduled inspection date.
Arrival window: You will not receive a specific arrival window until the morning of the inspection.
You’ve Hired RentJiffy to Manage the Inspection
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If you’ve hired RentJiffy and selected “Someone Will Be Present” as the access method:
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The person designated to meet the inspector will receive a call from us with a 2-hour estimated arrival window.
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We make this call after receiving a call from the DC inspector, which usually happens between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the day of inspection.
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Important: While the 2-hour window is accurate when provided, it can occasionally change during the day due to factors like traffic delays, schedule adjustments, or inspections taking longer than expected.
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If you’ve chosen the Someone Will Be Present access method and RentJiffy is managing your inspection, we will reach out right away if we become aware of any changes to the estimated arrival window.
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If you selected any other access method—such as lockbox, keys at the front desk, keys to be provided, or electronic lock—you will not receive a call with an estimated arrival window since no one needs to be physically present.
If You’re Managing the Inspection Yourself
The assigned DC inspector will usually call the person you appointed as your Point of Contact when you scheduled your inspection with the Department of Buildings. This call typically happens on the morning of the inspection, usually between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, to provide an estimated arrival window.
If your appointed Point of Contact does not receive a call from the inspector by 10:00 AM, we recommend contacting the Department of Buildings at 202-671-3500 to confirm the inspector assignment and expected arrival window.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Inspections
General Timing
Inspection hours: Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on the scheduled inspection date.
Arrival window: You will not receive a specific arrival window until the morning of the inspection.
You’ve Hired RentJiffy to Manage the Inspection
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If you’ve hired RentJiffy and chosen “Someone Will Be Home” as the access method:
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You’ll receive a call from us with a 2-hour estimated arrival window.
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This typically happens once we’ve heard from the DC inspector, usually between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the inspection day, though sometimes it may be later.
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Important: While the 2-hour window is accurate when provided, it can occasionally change during the day if the inspector’s schedule shifts.
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If RentJiffy is managing your inspection and Someone Will Be Home was selected, we will notify you immediately if we learn of any changes to the arrival window.
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If you selected any other access method where no one is meeting the inspector, you will not receive a call with an estimated arrival window.
If You’re Handling the Inspection Yourself
You may receive a call or email from the assigned DC inspector on the morning of your inspection. The inspector will typically reach out to the Point of Contact you designated when scheduling the inspection, usually between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
If your appointed Point of Contact hasn’t heard from the inspector by 9:00 AM, contact the Department of Buildings at 202-671-3500 to confirm the inspector’s assignment and arrival window.