Login to your owner portal and pay your $1,000 property reserve, noted as a working capital reserve in your contract.

A basic business licence (BBL) is required by the District of Columbia. 

We won't sugar coat it. This is a process that nobody enjoys. Not even the District.  But it's neccesary to stay on the right side of the law. 

This Nest BBL page gives you everything you need to get through the DC registration and BBL process .  

We know it's a lot to digest. We're here to help with questions anytime: onboarding@nest-dc.com.

We set aside time to connect with new clients by video to support your onboarding in real time.  There will be some follow up - but this time should make things much less daunting.

What to have ready: 

Payout Info: Your bank account details.

The Basics: Property details, appliance info, and utility accounts.

Access: Key details and building bylaws (for condos).

Compliance: Photo ID, W9, Social Security Card, and Deed.

Safety Docs: Lead Disclosure forms and your Certificate of Insurance.

Nest Tip:  If you're missing the BBL, RAD form, or Lead forms, don't sweat it—we have specific instructions to help you grab those quickly. We can even pull your Deed for you for a $30 fee. 

After you meet with us - make sure all the papwerwork and the questionnaire is done.

1. Banking & Logistics

Payout Info: Your bank routing and account numbers so we can send your monthly proceeds.

Availability: The specific date your property will be ready for a new resident.

Access: Detailed info on keys, fobs, or smart locks (see our Key Guide above).

2. Property Specs

The Basics: Details on your home’s systems (HVAC, water heater) and kitchen appliances.

Utilities: Account numbers for Pepco, Washington Gas, and DC Water.

Condos: A copy of your building’s bylaws, rules, and regulations.

3. Compliance & ID

Personal ID: A copy of your Photo ID, Social Security Card, and a signed W9.

Ownership: A copy of your Deed. (Pro Tip: We can pull this for you for a $30 fee if you can't find yours).

Licensing: Your Basic Business License (BBL) and RAD Form.

4. Safety & Insurance

Insurance: A Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing Nest DC as "Additional Insured."

Lead Safety: Signed Federal (EPA) and DC Lead Disclosure Forms.

Sorting out keys

Access is everything—we can’t show the place or get it ready without them. We know the logistics are a hassle, so we have two ways to handle this:

Drop or mail keys:  If you’re making the copies, we need 2 full sets (office + maintenance) plus 1 set per bedroom for the tenants. Just tag them (Front Door, Mailbox, etc.) and snap a quick photo of the group before you send them over.

We can help:  With one master set of unit keys - we can make copies (there will be a charge).  

How to get them to us:

• Drop-off: 87 Florida Ave NW. We’re in M-TH, but there is a secure 24-hour drop box at the front door if that's easier.
• Mail: Send them via Certified Mail to:

Nest DC, c/o Shannon Sloat, 87 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Something unique?

If you have smart locks, keypads, or fobs that can’t be copied, just email onboarding@nest-dc.com and we'll figure out a workaround.

Ask your agent to convert your homeowner’s policy to a "Rental Dwelling Policy" that meets these two requirements:

$1M Liability Coverage (An umbrella policy works if your current provider has a lower limit).

Nest DC listed as "Additional Insured" (Use onboarding@nest-dc.com as the contact).

Once you have the Certificate of Insurance, email it to welcome@nest-dc.com 

Struggling to find a provider? Just ask — we have a few local recommendations that know our requirements well.

Beautiful photos are why Nest DC homes always stand out in a busy marketplace.  

We will coordinate a 30–60 minute session with our professional real estate photographers between 9am and 4pm (when the light is best).

Prep Tips:

• Clear the clutter and do a quick dust/sweep.
• Put away  personal photos and valuables.
• Blinds are up for great light
• Toilet seats down

We'll have your listing live and we will begin scheduling showings 1-2 days after we have phtoos. 

 If you still live in the space and moving out shortly, be ready for showings to take place with notice. 

If your move-out date is more than 60 days out, we will get all of the prep work completed (photos and listing drafted) and will be ready to list when we hit the 60-45-day mark!

Click here! On the portal, you can make a contribution, view monthly statements and tax documents, at  any time.

It doesn't take more than a few minutes to set up your account. Just have your routing and account number for your prefered account handy

In order to keep up with fair housing requirements, we apply the same standard to all of our applications. We are happy to share resdient details after applicants have been approved, but cannot do so beforehand.

Our screening guidelines apply to all applicants equally. 

Since we are managing the unit, Nest signs the lease as the landlord. This lease is not editable.  But we're happy to send a copy - just email onboarding@nest-dc.com. The lease is completely assignable should your management needs ever change in the future!

The short answer is, sorry, but no.  

Breaking the law during the leasing, marketing, and lease negotiation process is very easy.  Our clients should not expect to play a role in tenant/resident screening, selection o,r even market to a particular resident profile.  We understand some might flex on this point - but there is real risk for violating fair housing and local anti-discrimination laws. Tenants are very aware of these protections and can find support resources easily if their rights have been violated.   

Plan on one -  three months.  From the time you begin the process, until you greet your new resident at the move-in walkthrough - there are necessary steps that take time. This includes city inspections, paperwork, and for District landords, obtaining a Basic Business License

You cannot legally rent your property out without a BBL. 

 If you have a clear timeline and have the process started, we can do "coming soon" listings so you don't have to wait to introduce your unit to the marketplace

It's not worth it, lol!  Coordinating with prospects alone could easily become the bane of your existence.

It works best when we do it - because we can do it best.  That's best for everyone!  

We can show property 7 days a week including evenings.  And we love it