DC PROPERTY MANAGER EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Under the District of Columbia Rental Housing Act, which of the following residential rental
units is typically exempt from rent control?
A. Units in buildings constructed before 1975
B. Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in the District
C. All basement apartments in single-family homes
D. Any apartment building with more than 20 units
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four
rental units in DC are generally exempt from rent control regulations, provided proper
notice is given.
2. What is the maximum allowable security deposit a landlord in Washington, D.C. can charge
a tenant?
A. One month’s rent
B. One and a half months’ rent
C. Two months’ rent
,D. Equal to the last two months of the lease term
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In DC, the security deposit charged by a landlord cannot exceed
the cost of one month’s rent.
3. Within how many days must a DC landlord return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated and the premises vacated?
A. 14 days
B. 45 days
C. 30 days
D. 60 days
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to return security deposits, along with
any applicable interest, within 45 days after the tenancy is terminated.
4. Which DC agency is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the District’s
rental housing laws?
A. DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
B. Department of Public Works
C. DC Real Estate Commission
, D. Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) of the Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Rental Accommodation Division (RAD), part of DHCD,
administers the Rental Housing Act and processes tenant petitions and housing provider
registrations.
5. Under DC tenant laws, what is required before a housing provider can file a complaint for
possession in court for nonpayment of rent?
A. A 5-day notice to quit
B. A 30-day notice to cure or quit
C. A written intent to sue notice delivered at least 30 days prior
D. A verbal warning documented by the property manager
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to provide a written notice of intent
to file a housing action for nonpayment of rent at least 30 days before filing, if the rent
owed exceeds the statutory threshold.
6. What is the minimum age required to obtain a real estate property manager license or
salesperson license in Washington, D.C.?
A. 18 years old
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Under the District of Columbia Rental Housing Act, which of the following residential rental
units is typically exempt from rent control?
A. Units in buildings constructed before 1975
B. Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in the District
C. All basement apartments in single-family homes
D. Any apartment building with more than 20 units
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four
rental units in DC are generally exempt from rent control regulations, provided proper
notice is given.
2. What is the maximum allowable security deposit a landlord in Washington, D.C. can charge
a tenant?
A. One month’s rent
B. One and a half months’ rent
C. Two months’ rent
,D. Equal to the last two months of the lease term
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In DC, the security deposit charged by a landlord cannot exceed
the cost of one month’s rent.
3. Within how many days must a DC landlord return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated and the premises vacated?
A. 14 days
B. 45 days
C. 30 days
D. 60 days
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to return security deposits, along with
any applicable interest, within 45 days after the tenancy is terminated.
4. Which DC agency is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the District’s
rental housing laws?
A. DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
B. Department of Public Works
C. DC Real Estate Commission
, D. Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) of the Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Rental Accommodation Division (RAD), part of DHCD,
administers the Rental Housing Act and processes tenant petitions and housing provider
registrations.
5. Under DC tenant laws, what is required before a housing provider can file a complaint for
possession in court for nonpayment of rent?
A. A 5-day notice to quit
B. A 30-day notice to cure or quit
C. A written intent to sue notice delivered at least 30 days prior
D. A verbal warning documented by the property manager
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DC law requires landlords to provide a written notice of intent
to file a housing action for nonpayment of rent at least 30 days before filing, if the rent
owed exceeds the statutory threshold.
6. What is the minimum age required to obtain a real estate property manager license or
salesperson license in Washington, D.C.?
A. 18 years old
