D.C. Cracks Down on Unlicensed Rentals


That was the case when D.C. Superior Court Judge Maurice Ross ordered Douglas G. Jefferies, the owner of a Dupont Circle property at 2220 Q St. NW, to cease unlawfully operating an unlicensed residential housing business, public hall, boarding house, bed and breakfast and general business by renting the home for parties, weddings and concerts.

The order came after the Office of the Attorney General had filed a lawsuit against Jefferies for creating a hazard to public safety and a nuisance to neighbors. The order stated that Jefferies had been using vacation-rental websites to rent the property, despite the owner and the venue not being properly licensed or outfitted for such events.

“Assuming Mr. Jefferies abides by the terms of the consent order, this agreement will bring an end to the dangerous, illegal and troublesome use of this property to host large and noisy events,” Attorney General Karl A. Racine said. “Today’s action sends a strong message to individuals who seek to unlawfully conduct lodging and entertainment businesses without proper licenses.”

Jefferies was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine.

The lawsuit was filed after an investigation by DCRA officials, who had received numerous complaints from neighbors about excessive noise.

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