“Anyone Have a Business License for short-term rentals? I am trying to become legal- but the process sure is not friendly.”

“Dear PoPville,

I’m trying to apply for a BBL for my short-term rental- (additional bedrooms on Airbnb)
The licensing department of dcra told me that I need to go through the following steps: register my ssn with Tax and Revenue, Have a Clean Hands Certificate, and get a Certificate of Occupancy. The problem is that dcra does not issue CofO for single family homes. They told me that I can apply for a Home Occupation Permit- but that will require a “change of use” of the property to a Bed and Breakfast.

If the use changes to a Bed and Breakfast, I would have to provide two parking spaces- one for owner and one for guests. I don’t have any off street parking. So my question is how did other home owners get their business license for their short-term rentals within their primary residence? Even if the new Airbnb rules take effect that allows owners to rent out rooms or their basements that are not zone 2-unit, I am not sure how owners will successfully get a bbl based on the current requirements.”