DC PROPERTY MANAGER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. Which agency in Washington, D.C. is primarily responsible for administering rent control
laws and regulations?
A. DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
B. Department of Housing and Community Development
C. DC Housing Authority
D. Rental Accommodation Division
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) under the
Department of Housing and Community Development administers the Rental Housing Act.
2. Under DC tenant law, what is the maximum allowable security deposit a landlord can
charge a residential tenant?
A. Equal to two months’ rent
B. Equal to one month’s rent
C. Equal to one and a half months’ rent
D. No limit, negotiated in the lease
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In Washington, D.C., a security deposit cannot exceed the
amount of one month’s rent charged to the tenant.
3. Within how many days must a DC landlord return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated and the tenant vacates?
A. 45 days
B. 30 days
C. 15 days
D. 60 days
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to return security deposits, along with
any applicable interest, within 45 days after the tenancy is terminated.
4. What is the primary purpose of TOPA (Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act) in Washington,
D.C.?
A. To regulate property tax assessments on multi-family units
B. To provide rent subsidies for low-income tenants
C. To give tenants the right to buy their building before a sale
D. To control the eviction process for commercial properties
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: TOPA requires housing accommodation owners to give tenants
an opportunity to purchase the property before selling it to a third party.
5. Which of the following residential properties is generally exempt from D.C. Rent Control
regulations?
A. Apartment buildings built before 1975
B. Privately owned rental units owned by a corporation owning more than five units
C. All basement apartments in single-family homes regardless of ownership
D. Rental units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in DC
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by a natural person who owns four or fewer rental
units in the District are generally exempt from rent control.
6. What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge a residential tenant in Washington,
D.C. under DC law?
A. 10 percent of the monthly rent
B. 5 percent of the monthly rent
C. $50 flat fee
D. No late fee is allowed
Answer: B
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. Which agency in Washington, D.C. is primarily responsible for administering rent control
laws and regulations?
A. DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
B. Department of Housing and Community Development
C. DC Housing Authority
D. Rental Accommodation Division
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) under the
Department of Housing and Community Development administers the Rental Housing Act.
2. Under DC tenant law, what is the maximum allowable security deposit a landlord can
charge a residential tenant?
A. Equal to two months’ rent
B. Equal to one month’s rent
C. Equal to one and a half months’ rent
D. No limit, negotiated in the lease
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In Washington, D.C., a security deposit cannot exceed the
amount of one month’s rent charged to the tenant.
3. Within how many days must a DC landlord return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated and the tenant vacates?
A. 45 days
B. 30 days
C. 15 days
D. 60 days
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to return security deposits, along with
any applicable interest, within 45 days after the tenancy is terminated.
4. What is the primary purpose of TOPA (Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act) in Washington,
D.C.?
A. To regulate property tax assessments on multi-family units
B. To provide rent subsidies for low-income tenants
C. To give tenants the right to buy their building before a sale
D. To control the eviction process for commercial properties
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: TOPA requires housing accommodation owners to give tenants
an opportunity to purchase the property before selling it to a third party.
5. Which of the following residential properties is generally exempt from D.C. Rent Control
regulations?
A. Apartment buildings built before 1975
B. Privately owned rental units owned by a corporation owning more than five units
C. All basement apartments in single-family homes regardless of ownership
D. Rental units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in DC
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by a natural person who owns four or fewer rental
units in the District are generally exempt from rent control.
6. What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge a residential tenant in Washington,
D.C. under DC law?
A. 10 percent of the monthly rent
B. 5 percent of the monthly rent
C. $50 flat fee
D. No late fee is allowed
Answer: B
