Condo Conversions in DC

The key exhibits included in the Public Offering Statement are as follows:

1. Declaration & Bylaws ("Condo Documents"): These documents outline the rules, regulations, and governance of the Condominium Unit Owner’s Association.
2. Condominium Plat & Plan Survey: A detailed map showing the division of the property into individual units and common areas.
3. Architect or Engineer’s Report: An assessment of the property’s structural integrity, safety features, and the projected lifespan of its building components.
4. Certificate of Limited Warranty: A document providing a 2-year Structural Limited Warranty for new construction or renovations, covering 10% of the project’s conversion cost.
5. Construction Budget: An itemized breakdown of construction or renovation expenses, used to calculate the 2-year Structural Limited Warranty.
6. Condominium Association Budget: A financial plan outlining projected dues and expenses for the condominium association.
7. Sample Purchase Agreement: A template contract specifying the terms and conditions for the sale of condo units.
8. Sample Deed: A template legal document for transferring ownership of a condo unit to a buyer.
9. Contractor’s Contact Information: The contact details of the contractor responsible for the construction or renovation work.
10. Management Agreement (if applicable): A contract outlining the duties of the property management company overseeing the condominium association.
11. Estimated Settlement Charges: A rough estimate of the costs associated with the sale and settlement of condo units.
12. Building Permits: Official approvals from the Department of Buildings (DOB) for construction or renovation work.
13. Condominium Association Bill of Rights and Responsibilities: A document that details the rights and responsibilities of condo unit owners and the association, with a linked copy available for reference.

The duration of the condominium conversion process varies depending on the project, but it typically takes between 2 to 4 months. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) can take up to 8 weeks to review the Public Offering Statement submission, as outlined in § 42–1904.06 of the District of Columbia Code. The condo conversion process can often run simultaneously with the property's construction and permitting phases. To avoid delays, it is recommended to begin the conversion process as early as the initial property acquisition. At Standard Title Group, we specialize in streamlining this process, with some approvals completed in as little as 45 days.

Condo Conversion Fees in the District of Columbia

Converting a property into condominiums in the District of Columbia involves a series of fees and requirements across multiple stages and departments. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these cost.

DC Filing Fees

Step 1: Eligibility to Convert Application

• $100 per unit for the Eligibility to Convert application OR $100 per unit for the Tenant Election Certification Fee for occupied properties OR $800 total, whichever amount is greater (Fee paid to DHCD)

Step 2: Public Offering Statement Application

• $100.00 per residential condo unit and $100.00 per parking unit for the Public Offering Statement Application (Fee paid to DHCD)

Step 3: Document Recording Fees

• District of Columbia Office of the Surveyor’s Fees
  • Condo Plat Recording Fees
    - 390.00 - Plats and plans recording
    - $20.00 - Initial recordation (in addition to recording)
    - $195.00 - Amended Plats and/or plan recording
    - $20.00 - Each amended sheet
    - $100.00 - Cancellation of Private Surveyor’s recorded Condo

Third-Party Professional Fees

The following fees are typical for a construction project in the District of Columbia and should be included when preparing the budget for the project:

• Architect's Report - approximately $500.00 for a 2-unit condo project. This report becomes part of the Public Offering Statement and typically included in the architect’s cost for preparing the plans required to obtain the necessary condominium permits and approvals.
•  Surveyor Engineer's Plat and Plan Survey - approximately $1,200 for a 2-unit condo project. This survey must be completed by a DC-licensed surveyor; List of Surveyor’s available through the Office of the Surveyor.

Standard Legal Group Service Fee

The attorneys at Standard Legal Group have decades of experience in the area of condominium conversions. This ensures that every set of condo docs complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Our years of experience also allow us to obtain final approval in an expedited time frame, often in as little as 3 months. Our services encompass project management, condominium document processing, and expediting, providing a seamless and efficient experience for property owners and developers.

The Service Fee for this service is:

• $10,000.00 – Condo Projects of 4 or fewer units
• $14,000.00 – Condo Projects of 5 – 8 units
• Buildings over 8 units – Please contact SLG to discuss the details of the project and the associated Service Fee.

Payment Options

Standard Legal Group offers two flexible payment structures for your condo conversion project:

Option 1 - Split Payment

• 50% due at project initiation
• Remaining 50% due within 60 days of receiving the Condominium Registration Order

Option 2 - Single Payment

• Full payment upfront
• $1,000.00 discount applied
• Service begins immediately

Choose the option that best fits your financial needs. Contact us to get started with your preferred payment plan.

Contact us for a comprehensive quote tailored to your condo conversion project. Our team can help ensure compliance with all requirements while managing costs effectively.

When applying for a condo conversion in the District, it's important to understand the associated fees: The Department of Housing and Community Development imposes a Condominium Conversion Fee equal to 5% of each unit's sales price. This fee must be paid within 30 business days from the settlement date, as specified in § 42–3402.04 of the District of Columbia Code. Key exemptions to this fee include:

• Properties granted a "Not a Housing Accommodation Exemption," meaning the property was either solely owner-occupied or registered vacant for at least 12 months.
• Sales to low-income households (earning less than 80% of the area median income).
• Sales to seniors (62 years or older).
• Sales to disabled persons, as defined by the ADA.
• Sales to tenants who resided in the property for at least 12 months before its conversion to a condominium.

The Department of Housing and Community Development requires a warranty against potential “structural defects” for all units and common areas in a condominium conversion, as outlined in § 42–1903.16 of the District of Columbia Code. This warranty must be backed by security equal to 10% of the estimated hard construction and conversion costs, including labor and materials, to cover any costs resulting from the declarant's failure to meet the requirements of the Condominium Warranty Claims Clarification Amendment Act of 2022. No warranty is provided for consumer products or appliances sold with the unit, except as covered by the structural warranty. The warranty security can be provided as a bond, letter of credit, or other approved form, held by the Mayor’s Office. If no claims are filed within two years, the funds are fully returned.

Starting your condo conversion journey in Washington, DC, is just a click away, and Standard Title Group is here to support you every step of the way.

1. Complete the Get Started Form: Begin by visiting the Contact Us Page, where you can provide essential information about your project and your contact details.
2. Customized Engagement Letter and Quote: After reviewing your project information, we will send you a personalized engagement letter and quote. This document will outline the terms of our partnership and clarify the fees and scope of work.
3. Schedule a Meeting: We are always available to schedule meetings to address any questions or concerns you may have. Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout the entire process.
4. Start the Initial Process: Once engaged, we will initiate the initial process, including assessing your eligibility for conversion, which may exempt you from the 5% condo conversion fee. We will guide you through each stage to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Are you ready to kick off your condo conversion project? Contact Us today. We are excited to assist you in making your condo vision a reality!