An owner who has submitted a rental housing application and fee to the Department of Housing no later than December 31, 2009, shall be allowed to continue to rent, lease, let or otherwise allow occupancy of any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit until such time said property has received a valid rental certificate after which no owner shall rent, lease, let or otherwise allow the occupancy of any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit without having a current valid rental certificate.