DLCP applies a progressive enforcement ladder for STR violations: first offense generates a warning or fine, second a suspension, and a third confirmed violation triggers automatic license revocation.
Under DLCP's STR enforcement guidance and DC Code 36-304.01, repeat-violator hosts move through escalating sanctions. Common triggering violations include exceeding the 90-night unhosted cap, operating outside the primary residence, breaking noise or occupancy ceilings, or failing to display the license number. After three substantiated violations, DLCP must revoke the STR license and disqualify the address from re-licensing for a defined cooling-off period — typically two years. The framework deliberately mirrors hospitality-industry strike systems used in San Francisco and Boston to keep persistent offenders out of the legitimate market.
A third substantiated violation forces license revocation, address-based disqualification from re-licensing, and listing removal across all platforms via the platform-reporting duty.
Washington, DC
DC's STR Act imposes platform-side compliance: booking platforms must verify each listing has a valid DLCP license number, remove non-compliant listings, and...
Washington, DC
DC requires a license to operate any short-term rental under the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-307, DC Code 30-201.01 et seq.). Two l...
See how Washington's repeat violator strikes rules stack up against other locations.
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