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Residential Inspections
The Residential Inspections program helps build healthy DC neighborhoods throughout the District, by:
- Inspecting and monitoring all DC residential buildings for code compliance
- Coordinating neighborhood improvement efforts with sister agencies
- Abating (getting rid of) housing violations in persistent problem areas
To ask for an inspection of a residential property, please call (202) 442-9557. If you believe the building is vacant, please go to the Vacant Property section to report it.
Inspections can be performed for the following circumstances:
- Cleanliness—All walkways and grounds must be free of dirt, garbage, litter, rats, mice and insects. The grass must be cut. Waterproof plastic or metal trash cans must be provided.
- Lighting—All rooms, including laundry, furnace, storage areas, hallways and stairways must have natural and/or artificial lighting.
- Fire Safety—Buildings must have lighted fire exit signs, fire extinguishers, a fire alarm system and smoke detectors in good working order. Doors must not be blocked, must open and close easily (especially emergency exits and fire doors) and must fit in their frames. Knobs and locks must be in good working condition.
- Walls and Ceilings—There must not be any holes, wide cracks or exposed lead paint on walls or ceilings. Peeling paint, plaster and wallpaper is prohibited.
- Plumbing—Each unit must have hot and cold running water in the kitchen and bathroom. The plumbing must not leak.
- Security—You must be able to lock the apartment from outside and inside. Building entrances must have locks.
- Foundation—The foundation must have sound joints between the bricks and stones, and no holes or cracks.
- Heating—Select Winter Housing Code Protections, to learn more.*
- Windows—The windows must have screens from March 15 to November 15. They must open and close easily and contain glass without cracks, holes or air or water leaks.
- Water—Flooding in yards, walkways and basements is not permitted. Damp walls and floors are prohibited.
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