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I'm looking for information about going solar Could I save money with solar panels? Installing solar panels on your home will help reduce your electricity bill. Type your street address into the DC Solar Tool to learn more about how much it might cost to switch to solar, your expected savings, and how soon your solar system could pay for itself. What are the steps to installing solar panels? Here are a few key steps to start the process to install solar panels on your home: Contact installers for a free assessment to check if your roof is able to support the weight of solar panels and gets enough sunlight and to estimate the cost to install panels. Decide whether you want to own or lease the solar system. Read this District guide on financing solar panels in English or Spanish . Consider joining a solar co-op (like this one accepting members until August 2021) to get a better price from your installer. Install and enjoy the benefits of solar! Does DC offer financial assistance to install solar panels? The District offers eligible residents free solar panel installation on their home. Your household may be eligible if you live in a building with four or fewer units in DC and your income is below the program limits. Learn more on the program’s resource page . Can I get paid for the energy from my solar panels? Homeowners may be able to make money from utility companies for the energy produced by their solar panels. We—the DC Government—require utility companies to produce a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, like solar. If they don’t meet that requirement, they can either pay a fine or buy solar renewable energy certificates (or SRECs) from solar panel owners. Talk to your solar installer about how to sell your SRECs, and they can help you connect with an SREC broker. The amount you receive depends on the market price and your negotiations with utility companies. Learn more about SRECs from the Environmental Protection Agency. Will I still get an electricity bill after I install solar panels on my home? Yes, even once you have solar panels, you will still get a portion of your electricity from the city’s grid. Your monthly electricity bill will include a credit for the energy produced by your solar panels. Do solar panels require maintenance? Solar panels do not require frequent maintenance, but it’s a good idea to check the system a few times a year to ensure it’s working properly. Your installer will help you maintain your solar system for the length of your contract. Can I still switch to solar even if I can’t install panels on my home? Yes. If your roof can’t support the weight of solar panels or doesn’t get enough sun, you can still switch to solar by getting your electricity from a local solar energy provider. If your income is below the program limits, the District can help you save money on your electricity bill when you get your electricity from a community solar energy project . If your income is not below the program limits, you can still switch to a solar energy provider at market rates. How does solar work? Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and convert it to electricity you can use. The electricity then flows through your home, powering electronic devices. Any electricity from your solar panels that you don’t use gets sent into the grid for other people to use. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy. Are there other ways for me to make my home environmentally friendly and save on my utility bills? Yes! You can find information about other resources that might help on our environmental resources page. You can also learn more about resources to save money on your utilities . How can I learn more about going solar? Tune into our webinar series with recordings on solar financing , solar renewable energy certificates (or SRECs) , solar contracting , and solar ownership options . The Department of Energy and Environment has also teamed up with EnergySage to help District residents comparison shop options for installing solar panels on their property or subscribing to a local community solar farm. Visit EnergySage's web page and check out the webinar recording to find out how EnergySage can help . I have a question that’s not covered here. Who can I contact? You can reach out to The Department of Energy and Environment at solarforall@dc.gov with the subject line “Market Rate Solar Question.” Many renters and homeowners are interested in solar but do not know where to start. This page includes information on how residents can invest in solar and help the District meet our clean energy goals! Keywords: homeowners, renters, invest in solar, clean energy, sustainability, solar power, solar roof, conserve energy, conservation ​ This page was last updated May 2021. ​

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​ 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can get financial assistance to reduce their home’s heat, cooling, and electricity use to save money on their utility bills. We—DC Government—can help you figure out what you can do to protect your home from cold, heat, rain, or wind and to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This process is called weatherization and can include work to improve your: Insulation Duct sealing Heating and cooling systems Appliance energy use We work with a local nonprofit to pay for the weatherization projects and find a repair person to complete on your home. This program is called the Weatherization Assistance Program and is offered by the Department of Energy and Environment. ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in a single-family home (or a building with four or fewer units) that you rent or own. Your home is in DC. Your home is not in foreclosure. ​ And if one of these statements is true: Your household receives support from at least one of the following programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or​ Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. reduce your home’s energy use? DO YOU WANT TO 3. Apply. Start by applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) , which helps you pay for your utilities. By applying to this program first, we—DC Government—can check that your income is at or below the limits for weatherization assistance. If you already receive LIHEAP, continue to step 2. Gather the following documents for you and each person in your household . At least one of your documents needs to list your full name and DC address to show that you live in DC. Depending on how you apply, you may need to make copies or scan your documents. Photo IDs (like a driver’s license) Social security cards or alien registration numbers Most recent electricity, gas, oil, and/or water bills Recent pay stubs, social security statements, pension statements, unemployment benefits statements, child support statements, and/or tax return (you only need the documents that apply to your situation) Choose one of these options to apply online or by mail: Complete the online LIHEAP application . To start, you'll be asked to create a log-in. Select that you’re interested in weatherization assistance. You’ll need to upload photos or scans of your documents into the application. To apply by mail, print and mail your completed paper LIHEAP application and copies of your documents to The Department of Energy & Environment; 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor; Washington, DC 20002. If you can't print the application, you can call 311 at any time to ask us to mail you an application. You’ll need to make copies of your documents. Please don’t send the originals. Within 2 business days after we receive your complete LIHEAP application, we will email you to let you know if you’ve been approved for LIHEAP. If you are approved for LIHEAP, continue to step 2 to apply for weatherization assistance. Complete the application for weatherization assistance . If you rent your home, we will follow up with your landlord to complete some additional application questions. Depending on their income, we may ask your landlord to pay for some part of the projects. You can apply at any time. 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? We—DC Government—will review your Weatherization Assistance Program application. Within one business day, we will call you to schedule a time to visit your home. We will visit your home to learn what projects might make your home more energy-efficient. We will make a list of the projects that will make your home more energy-efficient and find a repair person to complete the work. If you rent your home, we will get approval for the proposed projects from your landlord. The repair person will complete work on your home within 21 business days after our visit to your home. DC Government will inspect the work and pay the repair person. If you are not approved for this program, we will call you and send you an email to let you know. If you are approved for the program but safety issues in your home prevent work from starting right away, you will get instructions to resolve the safety issues first. If you are approved but we don’t have funding to do weatherization right now, we’ll work with you to start your weatherization in the new fiscal year (which starts in October). Are there any additional requirements I should know about? If your home has received weatherization assistance from us after 1994, you are not eligible to receive assistance again at this time. If you’re not sure if or when your home received weatherization assistance from us before, apply anyway, and we’ll check our records when determining your eligibility. Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to our Affordability and Efficiency team at (202) 299-3316 , Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Or, you can email LaWanda Jones at lawanda.jones@dc.gov with the subject line, “Weatherization Question.” I still need help with my utilities. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help on our utilities resources page . Frequently Asked Questions Can I reapply if my application is not approved? If your application is not approved because your household income is above the program limits, you can reapply if your income or household size changes. If you rent your home and your application is not approved because your landlord did not want to participate, you can reapply if they change their mind. Can I reapply if I have received this program before? If your home has received weatherization assistance from us—DC Government—after 1994, you are not eligible to get assistance again at this time. If you’re not sure if or when your home received weatherization assistance from us before, apply anyway, and we’ll check our records when determining your eligibility. If you received weatherization assistance from us before but have now moved to a new home, you can reapply for the program. You can receive assistance again as long as you meet the requirements and your new home did not receive weatherization from us after 1994. I receive food assistance through SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). Does that make me eligible for this program? If you receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you’ll need to check if your household's income is below the program limits to see if you’re eligible for this program. Receiving SNAP is not enough on its own to confirm your eligibility for this program. However, if you receive SNAP, you are eligible for help paying your utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . My household doesn’t have any income. How can I prove that? If your household doesn’t have any income, you can submit one of these documents with your application: An notarized income statement , A screenshot of your "Claimant Profile" page on the Department of Employment Services (DOES) website showing that your "Balance" is zero ( see example ), A recent letter from your former employer stating that you no longer work there (if you've lost your job but are not yet receiving unemployment benefits from DOES), OR A recent letter from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) stating that your household doesn't have any income Do all eligible applicants get weatherization assistance? No, funding for weatherization is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most of the time we have enough funding for everyone who applies, but sometimes applicants need to wait until the next fiscal year (which starts in October). This resource is provided by: Keywords: homeowners, renters, make my home energy efficient, income limits. energy bill, reduce energy use, air conditioning, heating, electricity, utility fees ​ This page was last updated July 2021. ​

replace a broken heating or cooling appliance? DO YOU WANT TO ​ 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can apply to replace or repair their broken central air conditioning, heating systems, hot water tanks, and chimney liners with more efficient systems. We—DC Government—work with a local nonprofit to pay for the new system and hire a repair person to install it. ​ This program is called the Emergency Mechanical Systems Program and is offered by the Department of Energy and Environment. ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in a single-family home (or a building with four or fewer units) that you rent or own. Your home is in DC. Your home is not in foreclosure. ​ And if one of these statements is true: Your household receives support from at least one of the following programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or​ Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. This resource is provided by: Keywords: broken appliance, emergency repair, hot water tank, heater, air conditioning, fireplace ​ This page was last updated July 2021. ​ 3. Apply. Start by applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) , which helps you pay for your utilities. By applying to this program first, we—DC Government—can check that your income is at or below the limits for an emergency mechanical systems replacement. If you already receive LIHEAP, call (202) 299-3316 to get the application for an emergency replacement and continue to step 2. Gather the following documents for you and each person in your household . At least one of your documents needs to list your full name and DC address to show that you live in DC. Depending on how you apply, you may need to make copies or scan your documents. Photo IDs (like a driver’s license) Social security cards or alien registration numbers Most recent electricity, gas, oil, and/or water bills Recent pay stubs, social security statements, pension statements, unemployment benefits statements, child support statements, and/or tax return (you only need the documents that apply to your situation) Choose one of these options to apply online or by mail: Complete the online LIHEAP application . To start, you'll be asked to create a log-in. Select that you’re interested in weatherization assistance. You’ll need to upload photos or scans of your documents into the application. To apply by mail, print and mail your completed paper LIHEAP pplication and copies of your documents to The Department of Energy & Environment; 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor; Washington, DC 20002. If you can't print the application, you can call 311 at any time to ask us to mail you an application. You’ll need to make copies of your documents. Please don’t send the originals. Within 2 business days after we receive your complete LIHEAP application, we will email you to let you know if you’ve been approved for LIHEAP. If you are approved for LIHEAP, continue to step 2 to apply for an emergency mechanical systems replacement. Gather documents to show the appliance is broken and how much it will cost to fix it. This could be a red tag from Washington Gas or an estimate from a repair company on company letterhead. Complete the application for an emergency mechanical systems replacement . If you’re interested, you can apply for assistance to reduce your home’s heat and electricity use at the same time. If you rent your home, we will follow up with your landlord to complete some additional application questions. Depending on their income, we may ask your landlord to pay for some part of the replacement. You can apply at any time. 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? We—DC Government—will review your Emergency Mechanical Systems Program application. Within one business day, we will connect you to a nonprofit in the community to help you through the process. The nonprofit will schedule a visit to your home to inspect the broken appliance or system. The nonprofit will connect you to a repair person who will work with you to buy and install the replacement or repair the system within three days. We will inspect the replacement/repaired system during and after installation to make sure it is properly installed. If you are not approved for this program, we will call you and send you an email to let you know. Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must apply for our Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program , which helps you pay for your utilities, to receive an emergency mechanical systems replacement. Applying to this program also helps us—DC Government—check your income. Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to our Affordability and Efficiency team at (202) 299-3316 , Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Or, you can email LaWanda Jones at Lawanda.jones@dc.gov with the subject line, “Emergency Mechanical System Program Question.” I still need help with my utilities. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help on our utilities resources page . Frequently Asked Questions What documentation will I need to show that I have a broken appliance? You will need an estimate from a repair company on company letterhead or a red tag from Washington Gas. When a furnace is shut down because it is dangerous to operate unless repaired or replaced it is usually called red-tagging, for the tag put on the furnace. The tag can be red or a different color. Can I reapply if I have received an emergency mechanical replacement before? Yes, if you’ve received a replacement in the past and now that appliance or a different central air conditioning system, heating system, hot water tank, or chimney liner needs to be replaced, you can apply again. Can I reapply if my application is not approved? If your application is not approved because your household income is above the program limits, you can reapply if your income or household size changes. I receive food assistance through SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). Does that make me eligible for this program? If you receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you’ll need to check if your household's income is below the program limits to see if you’re eligible for this program. Receiving SNAP is not enough on its own to confirm your eligibility for this program. However, if you receive SNAP, you are eligible for help paying your utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . My household doesn’t have any income. How can I prove that? If your household doesn’t have any income, you can submit one of these documents with your application: An notarized income statement, A screenshot of your "Claimant Profile" page on the Department of Employment Services (DOES) website showing that your "Balance" is zero ( see example ), A recent letter from your former employer stating that you no longer work there (if you've lost your job but are not yet receiving unemployment benefits from DOES), OR A recent letter from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) stating that your household doesn't have any income Do all eligible applicants get their broken appliance repaired or replaced? ​No, funding for emergency replacements and repairs is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most of the time, we have enough funding for all eligible applicants.

​ 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can use financial assistance from us—DC Government—to replace lead-based paint from their homes. You can receive up to $11,000 in assistance towards lead-based paint repairs. We work with a local nonprofit to pay for the projects and find a repair person to complete work on your home. This program is called the Lead Reduction Program and is offered by the Department of Energy & Environment. ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in DC. A child 6 years old or younger either lives with you or spends at least three hours a day, two days a week, or 60 hours a year at your home; or a pregnant person lives with you. You live in a house or building built before 1978. Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. ​​ ​ reduce lead paint in your home? DO YOU WANT TO 3. Apply. Gather proof of your household income and assests, which could include the most recent pay stubs, social security statements, pension statements, bank statements, unemployment benefits statements, child support statements, and/or tax return for you and the members of your household. You only need the documents that apply to your situation. Complete the application , attach proof of your household income, and submit by email to LaWanda.Jones@dc.gov or by mail to the address below. You'll need to make copies of your documents. Please don't send us the originals. Department of Energy & Environment, Utility Affordability Administration Attn: LaWanda Jones 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002 You can apply at any time. You can also be referred to the program instead of applying. If a child under the age of six has elevated levels of lead in their blood, their doctor contacts us—DC Government—for assistance (though to address the issue quickly, we still encourage you to apply directly!). You may also be referred by a local nonprofit organization, another DC Government agency, a lawyer, or someone else.​​​​ 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? Within one day of your application, we—DC Government—will call you to let you know if your application has been approved, and we’ll appoint a local nonprofit to pay for and arrange the work. The local nonprofit will arrange for a repairperson to inspect your home for lead. They’ll provide us an estimate of the cost to remove and repair the lead-based paint in your home. If they find any other sources of lead in their inspection, we’ll let you know and work with you to address those. The repairperson will remove or repair the lead-based paint, test to make sure the repairs were done correctly, and then inspect your home for lead again. Your home is lead-safe! You or your landlord will agree to monitoring your home for lead and keeping it safe. If you are not approved for the repairs, we will let you know about other programs that may be able to help. Are there any additional requirements I should know about? Sometimes, the contractor may need you to relocate for a few days to do the repairs. We—DC Government—can provide funds to cover relocation on a case-by-case basis. However, you or your landlord may be responsible for the costs of your own relocation. Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the Lead Reduction team at (202) 299-3316 , Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Or, you can email LaWanda.Jones@dc.gov using the subject line “Lead Reduction Program.” I still need help with making my home safer. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help on our home safety and lead protection pages. Frequently Asked Questions I’ve received the repairs to my home and have decided to rent it out instead of living there myself. Are there any special requirements that I have to follow? Yes. For three years after the repairs have been completed, you must prioritize advertising and renting your home to families with children that are six years old and younger or to pregnant women. You must also continue to monitor the home for lead and keep it lead-safe. Do I need to pay anything to get the repairs? We—DC Government—cover the costs for the entire process, including the initial inspection, the repairs, tests, and the final inspection. If you need to relocate while the repairs are done, we may offer financial assistance to cover your relocation costs on a case-by-case basis. You must agree to monitor for lead and keep the home lead-safe in the future, and you would be responsible for the costs to do so. Who completes the work? We’ll assign a local nonprofit to arrange for and pay for the repairs. The repairs will be completed by a licensed repair person with the proper certifications. How long does the repair process take? Depending on the size of your home and how much work needs to be done, repairs can take 1-10 business days. In some cases, the repairs may take longer. Does this program test whether my child has been exposed to lead? No, the program does not test your child for lead exposure. By law, all children who live in the District of Columbia must be tested for lead at ages 6–14 months and 22–26 months. An easy way to remember: Test every child, twice by two . In addition, we require all children six years old and younger that live in a home that gets repairs to be screened for lead exposure. For more information on lead screening, contact your pediatrician or the District's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 202-535-2600 . Does this program give priority to households with a child that has elevated blood lead levels? Yes, we prioritize households with children who have elevated blood lead levels. My household doesn’t have any income. How can I prove that? If your household doesn’t have any income, you can submit one of these documents with your application: An notarized income statement , A screenshot of your "Claimant Profile" page on the Department of Employment Services (DOES) website showing that your "Balance" is zero ( see example ), A recent letter from your former employer stating that you no longer work there (if you've lost your job but are not yet receiving unemployment benefits from DOES), OR A recent letter from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) stating that your household doesn't have any income Do all eligible applicants get to replace their lead-based paint? No, funding for repairs is on a first-come, first-serve basis. This program launched in 2020, so we aren’t sure how many residents will apply or receive funds. This resource is provided by: You do not need to be a homeowner to apply for this program. Keywords: District residents, lead testing, replace lead paint, child, pregnant person, kid, babysitting, expecting ​ This page was last updated July 2021. ​

​ 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can get a $15-$65 discount on their monthly water bill. We—the DC Government—offer this discount to residents by reducing fees and the rate you’re charged for the water you use. Your discount is calculated based on your household’s income. You need to reapply in September of each year to continue receiving assistance. This program is called the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) Residential Relief Program and is offered by the Department of Energy and Environment. ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in DC. Your name or the name of someone in your household is listed on your DC Water bill. If not, you must be able to show that someone in your household owns your home or is responsible for paying your home’s DC Water bill. ​ And if one of these statements is true: Your household receives support from at least one of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). or​ Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ save money on your water bill? DO YOU WANT TO 3. Apply. Gather the following documents for you and each person in your household . At least one of your documents needs to list your full name and DC address to show that you live in DC. Depending on how you apply, you may need to make copies or scan your documents. Photo IDs (like a driver’s license) Most recent water bills Recent pay stubs, social security statements, pension statements, unemployment benefits statements, child support statements, and/or tax return (you only need the documents that apply to your situation) Choose one of these options to apply online, by email, or by mail: Complete the online application . You’ll need to upload photos or scans of your documents into the application. To apply by email, email your completed pdf application to criac.residential@dc.gov . You’ll need to attach photos or scans of your documents to the email. To apply by mail, print and mail your completed paper application and copies of your documents to the address below. If you can't print the application, you can call 311 at any time to ask us to mail you an application. You’ll need to make copies of your documents. Please don’t send the originals. Attn: CRIAC Residential Relief Program The Department of Energy & Environment 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002 You can apply at any time. If you have submitted an application for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) , which helps you pay for your utilities, and included your water bill information, you will not need to submit an application for CRIAC. 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? We—DC Government—will tell you if you have been approved in person, by phone, or by email within two business days of applying. At this time, we will let you know how much of a discount you will receive. You can also call 311 to get an update on your application. You will see the discount on your DC Water bill within two billing cycles of when you applied (about two months after). They’ll cover charges starting the day you applied. If you are not approved, we will let you know by phone or email within two business days of when you applied. At the same time, we’ll explain how to appeal our decision if you think we made a mistake. You can also call 311 to get an update on your application. Are there any additional requirements I should know about? If you would like to continue to receive a discount on your water bill, you must reapply for the program by October of each year. If you don’t reapply by October, your assistance will stop until you reapply. We—DC Government—will send you an application in the mail to reapply in September of each year. You can reapply in person or online following the instructions above or by returning the paper application to us by mail at: Department of Energy & Environment 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002 When you reapply, include copies of your household’s photo IDs (like a driver’s license), and most recent water bill. You’ll also need proof of household income, which could include the most recent pay stubs, social security statements, pension statements, unemployment benefits statements, child support statements, and/or tax return of the members of your household. At least one of your documents needs to list your full name and DC address to show that you live in DC. Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to our Affordability and Efficiency team at (202) 350-9649 , Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Or, you can email us at criac.residential@dc.gov using the subject line “CRIAC Application Question.” I still need help with my utilities. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help on our utilities resources page . Frequently Asked Questions Can I use the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge Relief Program with other utility programs? Yes. When you apply, you can say that you’re interested in getting help to reduce your home’s heat and electricity use , to replace a broken heating or cooling appliance , and/or to assist with utility payments if you’re approved, we will email you within two business days explaining how to apply for these programs. In addition, if you already receive utility assistance , then you may have been automatically signed up for discounts on your water bill. Check your water bill to see if you’re already receiving discounts. What determines the amount of discount received? The discount depends on your household size and annual gross income—that’s your income before paying taxes. I'm behind on my water bill because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Can I get any additional assistance to avoid a shut-off? We know this is a hard time for many residents. Any CRIAC discount approved DC Water customer may be eligible for bill relief from DC Water through their Rental Assistance Program (RAP) program, which is currently run through Stay DC . If you applied to Stay DC and have questions about benefit amounts or when to expect to see a change on your bills, contact DC Water's customer service team at (202) 787-2000 , Mondays to Fridays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by emailing customer.service@dcwater.com . My water bill is not in the name of anyone that lives in my home. Can I still apply? Yes, you can still apply. If your DC Water bill does not list a household member’s name, you must include proof that someone in your household owns your home or a copy of the lease agreement that states that someone in your household is responsible for paying your home’s DC Water bill. Can I try to reapply for the program if I am not approved? Your income must be at or below the limits based on your household size for you to be approved for the discount. If you apply in person or using the online application and later on the income requirements change, your application may be reviewed again. If you become eligible at that time, you will automatically receive the discount. I run a nonprofit in DC. Can we receive a discount on our water bill? Yes! You may be eligible to receive a discount on your water bill as part of the CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program . Follow the link to learn about the application and eligibility requirements. My household doesn’t have any income. How can I prove that? If your household doesn’t have any income, you can submit one of these documents with your application: An notarized income statement , A screenshot of your "Claimant Profile" page on the Department of Employment Services (DOES) website showing that your "Balance" is zero ( see example ), A recent letter from your former employer stating that you no longer work there (if you've lost your job but are not yet receiving unemployment benefits from DOES), OR A recent letter from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) stating that your household doesn't have any income Can I get assistance with bills if I live in a multifamily building or receive my water from a provider other than DC Water? DC Water offers assistance for multifamily buildings or with bills from third-party water vendors through another program called DC Water Cares . You can apply online or by mailing a completed paper application to: The Department of Energy and Environment Attn: Affordability & Efficiency Division Multifamily Assistance Program 1200 First Street, N.E., 5 th Floor Washington, DC 20002 Do all eligible applicants get the discount? No, the funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program launched in January 2019, so we aren’t sure how many residents will apply or receive funds. This resource is provided by: Keywords: water fees, reduce water bill, water assistance, discount, income limits This page was last updated July 2021. ​

​ 1. Learn about this resource. Homeowners can receive a flat $648.97 reduction on their property tax bill per year for living in their DC home (and not renting it out). Additionally, the property’s taxes are capped from increasing more than 10% each year. Adults 65 years or older and adults with disabilities receive a 50% reduction on their property taxes and their property taxes are capped at a 5% increase. This program is called the Homestead Deduction and Assessment Cap and is offered by the Office of Tax and Revenue. ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible for the Homestead Deduction if all of these statements are true: You own the DC home that you live in. You do not own property elsewhere with a homestead exemption or a primary residential credit. ​ You are eligible for the Senior or Disabled Homestead Deduction if all of these statements are true: You own the DC home that you live in. You are 65 or older or are an adult with a disability and receiving disability payments. You own 50% or more of your home. Your household federal adjusted gross income—your income before paying taxes— was less than $135,750 in 2021. Count anyone who lives in your house, except tenants under a written lease paying fair market rent, as part of your household. To calculate your income, look on your tax return you filed last year. reduce your property taxes? DO YOU WANT TO 3. Apply. Go to MyTax.dc.gov and click on "View More Options" under Real Property. Select "Submit a Homestead Deduction Application" and enter your address. Then follow the application questions. If you are a senior or an adult with a disability, you'll want to have handy a statement of income if you’re not filing District returns and proof of total or permanent disability with proof of disability payments (if applicable). If you are applying while you are buying your home, your title company can assist you with the application. You can apply at any time. 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? You’ll receive an email confirmation. Once approved, you will automatically receive the reduction for all future property tax bills. You’ll see the deduction right on your bill. We—the DC Government—will not send any additional communication. If you are not approved, you receive an email with your application status and instructions on how to appeal the decision. You will receive written notice of confirmation or denial with the reason of the denial and your appeal rights. Are there any additional requirements I should know about? If your home is a part of a cooperative housing association (or co-op), the cooperative will give you the application materials, collect them, and submit your application on your behalf since property taxes are paid through the cooperative. If you have questions, reach out to your co-op board. If you are renting a portion of your house, you must have a general business license and must register with OTR by completing a New Business Registration form (FR500) . You are eligible for this tax reduction if you live permanently (legally referred to as domiciled) in the District. That means that you need to: List the DC address where you live on your application form File all income tax returns using the same address Have a District driver's license or identification card at this address If you own a vehicle, register it in using this address If you register to vote, do so using this address Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the Office of Tax and Revenue Homestead Deduction team at (202) 727-4829 , Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 5:30 pm. Or, you can email our team at e-services.otr@dc.gov using the subject line “Homestead Deduction.” I still need help paying my property taxes. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help you save on taxes on our resource page . Frequently Asked Questions If I co-own my home with a spouse or relative, am I still eligible? Yes, the deduction is not based on the number of owners or the number of people living in the home. As long as an owner lives in the home, you can receive the deduction. I’m about to turn 65 years old. Do I get the Senior Homestead Deduction benefits automatically? No. You must follow the instructions in the “How do I apply?” section to let DC Government know that you’ve turned 65 in order to receive the senior benefit. Make sure children, grandchildren are not using your address on their District tax returns, as this will cause us to include their income in your household income and may disqualify you from the program when applying or when your household income is verified annually. Can I rent out my property and still collect the Homestead Deduction? No. The property must be your primary residence. You can only collect the Homestead Deduction at your home address. If you are renting a room be sure to keep appropriate records and have the required licenses to be in compliance with DC laws. Do all eligible applicants receive the reduction? Yes. Keywords: homeowners, property tax reduction, primary residence, owner occupied, elderly, older adult, senior citizen, disability, deduct property taxes, reduce property taxes This page was last updated July 2021. ​ This resource is provided by:

How Do I Create a Rental Unit On My Property? Is an accessory dwelling unit the same as an affordable dwelling unit? No. Affordable dwelling units are for households who meet income requirements. Accessory dwelling units do not have income requirements. How do I know if I can create a rental unit on my property? Start by checking your neighborhood’s zoning rules to determine if a rental unit is allowed on your property. If your block is yellow on this map , you may be able to create an accessory dwelling unit. Depending on where you live, your property must be at least 1,200 or 2,000 square feet. You must also live on the property where the accessory dwelling unit is located while it’s rented. Or, if your block is yellow on this map —primarily neighborhoods with row houses—your property may become a two-family flat, which is a dwelling with no more than 2 units. To learn about the zoning regulations for your property, you can look up your address , or schedule a meeting with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to learn more. Do I need to build a separate building structure to create a rental unit? No. Parts of your existing home, such as an English basement, can be turned into a rental unit. Do I need to get approval from DC Government if I end up building an accessory dwelling unit? Yes. To build a separate structure for an accessory dwelling unit, you need to apply for a building permit through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and satisfy all building and zoning codes. What are the steps to build an accessory dwelling unit from scratch? The typical process for building an accessory dwelling unit follows these steps: You check if your property is allowed to have an accessory dwelling unit based on zoning laws. You find an architect or designer who knows about local building laws. The architect visits your property and gives you a proposal that describes their services and fees. The architect creates a design for the accessory dwelling unit based on your needs and goals that also meets DC Code. Plans must also include electrical, plumbing, and other technical plans. You or the architect submit a project application using the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Permit Wizard to begin the plan review process. DCRA may need to consult other DC agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy & Environment, or quasi-governmental agencies, such as DC Water about your plan. After the plan review is complete, usually 45-60 days, DCRA will issue the approved permits for your project. You share building drawings with, and compare bids from, multiple contractors. You should check references and legal documents before choosing a contractor. The DCRA Contractor Rating System can help you find properly-licensed and high-performing building professionals for your project. The accessory dwelling unit is built. The architect helps make decisions about building materials and responds to unexpected changes in the project. Building inspectors visit the construction site to make sure the project follows regulations. Can I get a loan to help pay for the cost of building the accessory dwelling unit? If you have a stable income, a good credit score, and enough home equity, you may qualify for a loan. Before finding a lender, you’ll need to estimate the total project cost, including architectural and permitting fees. Do I need to get approval from DC Government for a rental unit? Yes. Before renting out the unit, you must complete inspections while building (as required) and then a final inspection to ensure that your property is safe to live in and meets the requirements for a rental unit. Once your unit has been inspected, you must apply for a Basic Business License . What are some of the benefits of a rental unit? A rental unit can give homeowners extra income to go towards household costs such as property taxes. These units also help create additional housing in neighborhoods where there may be few rental options. Who can rent a unit in my home? Anyone who agrees to the terms of the lease. When selecting a tenant, you should run credit and background checks. You must follow fair housing guidelines that prevent discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. You can also rent to households that participate in housing assistance programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher program. Submit an interest form to the DC Housing Authority to learn more about renting to households in this program. Can I rent the unit on Airbnb? If you decide to rent out a unit on your property as an Airbnb, there are some additional requirements. You’ll need a short-term rental license and appropriate insurance. You cannot rent the unit on Airbnb for more than 30 days at one time or more than 90 days each year. I have a question that’s not covered here. Who can I contact? If you have a question about zoning for rental units, call the Office of the Zoning Administrator at (202) 442-4576 . They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you have a question about permits or business licenses, contact DCRA using the online form , emailing dcra@dc.gov , live chatting with us on dcra.dc.gov , or calling (202) 442-4400 . They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Should I hire a property manager? It’s up to you. You can manage the property yourself or hire a property manager. A property manager would do things like screen tenants, collect rent, make repairs, and pay utility bills on your behalf. A property manager can cost up to 8-10% of the gross rent—meaning the total monthly rent and utility costs—of the rental unit. Most single family homes in the District of Columbia are allowed to have a rental unit. Rental units are typically in the basement or backyard of the property. They’re sometimes called accessory dwelling units or two-family flats, depending on the zoning rules for your home. All rental units must have a separate entrance, as well as permanent rooms and appliances for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Keywords: homeowners, rental unit, rent my home, rent out, how to rent out my house, extra income This page was last updated July 2021. ​

​ 1. Learn about this resource. Residents have the right to request that we—the DC Government—take another look at their property value assessment. Every year we conduct assessments to update our estimate of every home’s market value as of January 1. This value is used to calculate how much is owed in property tax on that home . After we conduct the assessments, we mail Notices of Assessment in February, but you can always access the current assessment at My Tax DC . If you disagree with the property value assessment, you can request an appeal. This process is called the Real Property Assessment and Appeals Process and is run by the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). ​ 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if you are responsible for paying the property taxes on a DC property . You do not need to live in DC to appeal the property value assessment. The property could be a residential property, business, nonprofit, or religious institution. appeal your property value assessment? DO YOU WANT TO 3. Appeal. Complete an administrative appeal form . On the form, you’ll be given the choice to either meet in-person with your assessor, have a phone call with your assessor, or to have your assessor review your appeal without speaking with you. Attach any documentation you have to support your reasoning. This could be an independent appraisal of your home, property values of neighboring homes that are similar to yours (reference the DC Real Property Assessment Database for values), and/or a written justification of your reasoning. Mail your completed form and supporting documents to the Office of Tax and Revenue, Real Property Tax Admin. - Appeals Section, P.O. Box 71440, Washington, D.C. 20024 or submit them online once you've created an account on MyTax DC . If you choose to speak with your appraiser, they will reach out within 10 business days to schedule a time to talk. You can appeal from the day you received your assessment notice up to April 1 (postmarked by) of each year. 4. Gather more information. What happens after I apply? Your meeting with the assessor will be about 15 minutes. During that time, you’ll explain your reasoning for appealing and talk through your supporting documents. You have the option not to meet with your assessor and instead, they will make their decision based on the documents you submit. Within about 10 business days from your meeting/submission, the assessor will mail a Decision Notice with their conclusion. Depending on the volume of appeals you should receive a Decision Notice no later than August 1 (postmarked by). Your new property value assessment will be reflected in your September bill. If you are satisfied with the decision, there is nothing more you need to do. The updated property value will be reflected in DC Government records. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can begin a second level appeal with the Real Property Tax Appeal Commission (RPTAC), an independent body. Your Decision Notice will include information on how to request a hearing. (You can find out more about what happens at a hearing below.) In a typical year, about 2% of properties (residential and commercial) will request a second level appeal. If you are not satisfied with RPTAC’s decision you can move to a third and final appeal level with the DC Superior Court. In a typical year about 800 properties will request a third level appeal. The vast majority are commercial properties. Are there any additional requirements I should know about? No. Filing the appeal on time is most important. Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to our Real Property Tax Administration at 202-442-6796 , Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 5:30 pm. Or, you can email the team at property.appeal@dc.gov using the subject line “Residential Property Assessment Appeal.” Be prepared with your property’s Square Suffix Lot (SSL) and the property owner’s name. The caller must be the property owner or an authorized representative. I still need help paying my property taxes. What should I do? You can find information about other resources that might help you save on taxes on our resource page . Frequently Asked Questions What happens at the second level appeal with RPTAC? At a second level appeal, you and your DC Government assessor will appear before a three-person RPTAC panel sometime between late August and December. During this hearing, both you and the DC Government assessor will have the chance to share documentation that backs up your assessment of the property’s value. The panel will ask you clarifying questions and take notes. After about 20 business days, RPTAC will then mail you and your assessor a decision with their rationale and any changes to the property value will be reflected in DC Government’s records. What happens at the third level appeal with the DC Superior Court? A third level appeal follows a similar process as RPTAC, but in a courtroom setting. Can I have someone else represent me at the appeal(s)? Yes. You are welcome to have anyone (e.g. family member, friend, or lawyer) represent you at any level of appeal. You will need to sign an Agent Authorization form granting us—the DC Government—the ability to talk with that person about your appeal. Having a representative is not required. If I appeal, am I prevented from appealing again in the future? No. Each year is independent from the previous ones. You always have the right to appeal the annual property assessment. Who is my assessor? An assessor is assigned to your property. This is the person who comes up with the dollar value of your property each year and is the person you will interact with if you choose to appeal. Their name is included on your home’s listing in the DC Real Property Assessment Database . Just search your address to find their name. Is the appeal process the same for commercial properties? Yes. The appeal process is the same. Do all eligible applicants get the chance to appeal? Yes. All property owners have the right to appeal DC Government’s assessment, however, this does not guarantee a change to your assessment. In a typical year about 4.5% of property assessments (residential and commercial) are appealed. This resource is provided by: Keywords: homeowners, right to appeal, annual property value assessment, paying property taxes, lower my property taxes, reconsider, reexamine, retry, homeownership This page was last updated March 2021. ​

information about tenant rights in DC I'm looking for What rights does a tenant have in DC? If someone rents the place where they live, they’re a tenant. Learn more about the rights of tenants in DC from the District of Columbia’s Tenant Bill of Rights , which is available in multiple languages and covers the following topics in detail: ​ I need to talk to someone. Who can I call? If you need help immediately, call 311 . If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 . If you can wait until business hours to access legal assistance and information on tenant rights, call the Office of the Tenant Advocate at (202) 719-6560 . They are open Monday to Friday, from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm. Or, you can email the team using this form . If you leave a voicemail or send an email, you should hear back from someone within one business day. For questions or concerns about the physical condition of the home you rent or whether your home has been licensed and inspected, contact the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs using their online form , emailing dcra@dc.gov , live chatting with us on dcra.dc.gov , or calling ( 202) 442-4400 during normal business hours. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. What rights do tenants at least 62 years old and tenants with disabilities have in DC? Tenants who are at least 62 years old and tenants with disabilities have additional rights. Learn more about these additional rights from the Office of the Tenant Advocate, including protections against rent increases, surcharges, eviction, discrimination, and more. ​ Notify your landlord, property manager, or other housing provider by completing a notice in English or Spanish and submitting it to them. If you have any questions about how to notify your housing provider, contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at (202) 442-9505 or dhcd.rad@dc.gov . Or, you can mail your question to: Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Regulation Administration Rental Accommodations Division 1800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020 ​ What rights and protections does a tenant have in DC during the COVID-19 public health emergency? The Office of the Tenant Advocate has put together a resource on the rights and protections of tenants during the emergency . The resource is available in multiple languages and touches on the following topics: ​​ This page only covers resources available through us—DC Government—and our contractors. It was last updated in May 2021. ​ Keywords: what are my rights, elderly, elder, older adult, older tenant, evicted, legal help, home maintenance, repairs, pests, rent, renting, renters rights ​ rent increases, collection, payment plans, and forms of payment evictions utility services and late fees utility payment plans deadlines to exercise tenant and tenant association rights tenant notices of intent to vacate or leave landlord access to units cleaning of common areas requirement of masks in residential buildings ​ amenity fee refunds at rent-controlled units tenant association operations court procedures operations of other government services including DC Council offices, budget hearings, housing inspections, the Rental Accommodations Division, the Conversion and Sales Division, and the Department of Energy and Environment ​ How can a tenant access legal assistance? The Office of the Tenant Advocate provides free advice and other legal services to tenants having disputes with their landlord. Residents can call the office Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm at (202) 719-6560 . The office is closed to walk-in appointments due to the COVID-19 health emergency. Residents who call the Office of the Tenant Advocate should leave a voicemail message or have an initial conversation with a staff person. Then, a case manager or attorney-advisor will call them back within one business day to determine their next steps. ​ What should tenants know about the eviction process? Tenants can learn more about the reasons an eviction is and is not allowed, and the correct process for all evictions from The Office of the Tenant Advocate’s Short Guide to Evictions . ​ What should tenants do if the home they rent is in disrepair? Landlords must maintain their rental properties to meet DC housing code and property maintenance standards . This includes minimum requirements for lighting, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, and safety. If the home they rent is in disrepair, residents should report suspected housing code violations to their landlord or property manager. If the landlord or property manager does not address the issue, you can request a housing inspection through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). An inspection will be scheduled within one day for life/safety issues and within 3 business days for other issues. ​ How can I learn more about my rights as a tenant? Tune into the Office of the Tenant Advocate's YouTube channel with helpful tutorial videos on topics, such as the eviction process, mold, housing code violations, rent increases, and landlord entry. ​ I have a question that’s not covered here. Who can I contact? Call the Office of the Tenant Advocate at (202) 719-6560 . They are open Monday to Friday, from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm. Or, you can email the team using this form . ​ leases security deposits what information must be shared when you apply to rent a unit r ental payment receipts rent increases building conditions lead paint ​ ​ mold quiet enjoyment landlord retaliation discrimination rights of tenants to organize the sale or conversion of a rental unit relocation assistance eviction ​ ​ How can tenants check that the home they rent (or want to rent) is licensed and inspected? Whether renting a single room in a private home or an entire dwelling, landlords must have their rental property licensed and inspected before renting. Tenants should verify that a property has a valid license to do business before renting it. Licenses are only issued following an inspection—ensuring that a property is safe for someone to live in. You may verify that a property has a valid business license using Scout , the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA) online consolidated database. Create or use your existing Access DC account, enter the property address and search, and select “Licenses” to check if there’s an up-to-date license associated with a property. ​