DC Property Manager Exam – Updated 2025/2026 | Exam Questions with 100% Correct Answers (Verified & Aligned with DCRA Requirements)

DC Property Manager Exam – Updated
2025/2026

Exam Questions with 100% Correct Answers | Verified & Up-to-Date | Aligned with
DCRA Requirements

Introduction
This resource includes fully verified and 100% accurate exam questions and answers for
the DC Property Manager Exam, updated to reflect the most recent changes and standards
set by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission for 2025/2026. The exam consists
of a national portion (80 questions) covering general property management principles and
federal laws, and a state portion (30 questions) focusing on DC-specific regulations. The
content is aligned with legal, operational, and ethical guidelines required for successful
licensure in Washington, D.C.

Topics Covered

• DC Landlord-Tenant Laws & Regulations
• Property Management Ethics and Fair Housing Compliance
• Leasing and Occupancy Procedures
• Financial Reporting and Budgeting
• Maintenance and Risk Management
• DCRA Licensing, Renewals, and Inspections
• Eviction Processes and Legal Notices
• Security Deposit Handling & Trust Accounts
• Tenant Communication and Conflict Resolution
• Federal Laws (e.g., ADA, Fair Housing Act, Lead Paint Rules)

All correct answers are highlighted in bold and green for fast recognition. Key items include
explanations based on DCRA policies, DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR), and federal
guidelines.

DC Property Manager Exam | 2025/2026 Questions
National Portion (Questions 1–80)

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act?
A) Regulate rent prices
B) Prohibit discrimination in housing
C) Mandate property inspections
D) Control lease terms
Rationale: The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) prohibits discrimination based on
protected characteristics.

Question 2: What must a property manager do when handling security deposits?
A) Use for operational costs
B) Hold in a separate escrow account

,C) Combine with personal funds
D) No specific requirement
Rationale: Federal and state laws require security deposits to be held in escrow accounts.

Question 3: What is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA?
A) Optional for landlords
B) Modification to policies for disabled tenants
C) Only for public buildings
D) Requires tenant funding
Rationale: The ADA requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

Question 4: What is the first step in resolving a tenant dispute?
A) File for eviction
B) Communicate and document the issue
C) Ignore minor complaints
D) Charge a fee
Rationale: Effective communication and documentation are key to dispute resolution.

Question 5: What must a lease agreement include to be legally enforceable?
A) Tenant’s credit score
B) Names, rent amount, and terms
C) Property appraisal
D) No specific requirements
Rationale: A lease must include essential terms to be enforceable.

Question 6: What is the purpose of a property inspection?
A) Increase rent
B) Ensure compliance with housing codes
C) Sell the property
D) No purpose
Rationale: Inspections ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Question 7: What is the federal lead-based paint disclosure requirement for pre-1978
properties?
A) Provide a paint sample
B) Disclose known hazards and provide EPA pamphlet
C) No disclosure needed
D) Certify lead-free status
Rationale: 42 U.S.C. § 4852d mandates lead-based paint disclosures.

Question 8: What is a property manager’s duty regarding maintenance requests?
A) Ignore minor requests
B) Address promptly and document
C) Charge tenants for repairs
D) No obligation
Rationale: Prompt maintenance is required to ensure habitability.

Question 9: What does the Fair Housing Act prohibit in advertising?
A) Listing rent prices
B) Discriminatory language

, C) Including photos
D) No restrictions
Rationale: 42 U.S.C. § 3604(c) prohibits discriminatory advertising.

Question 10: What is required for a tenant to request a reasonable modification?
A) Landlord approval only
B) Tenant-funded and reasonable
C) No documentation needed
D) Not allowed
Rationale: The Fair Housing Act allows tenant-funded modifications.

Question 11: What is the purpose of a trust account for security deposits?
A) Fund property improvements
B) Safeguard tenant funds
C) Combine with operating funds
D) No purpose
Rationale: Trust accounts protect tenant deposits.

Question 12: What is a property manager’s role in budgeting?
A) Ignore financial planning
B) Prepare and monitor budgets
C) Delegate to tenants
D) No role
Rationale: Budgeting is essential for property management.

Question 13: What must a property manager do to ensure fair housing compliance?
A) Favor certain tenants
B) Treat all applicants equally
C) Ignore federal laws
D) Charge higher fees
Rationale: The Fair Housing Act requires equal treatment.

Question 14: What is the penalty for violating the Fair Housing Act?
A) No penalty
B) Fines and damages
C) Warning only
D) Lease termination
Rationale: Violations can result in significant penalties.

Question 15: What is a landlord’s responsibility for emergency repairs?
A) Tenant responsibility
B) Address immediately
C) Delay until convenient
D) No obligation
Rationale: Emergencies require immediate action.

Question 16: What must a property manager disclose to prospective tenants?
A) Owner’s financial status
B) Lease terms and fees
C) Tenant credit scores