DC PROPERTY MANAGER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. What is the primary purpose of a security deposit held by a landlord in the District of
Columbia?
A. To cover the landlord’s property taxes
B. To pay for routine maintenance and plumbing repairs
C. To pay the property manager’s annual bonus
D. To cover unpaid rent or property damage caused by the tenant
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Security deposits are held to ensure compliance with the lease,
specifically to cover unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
2. Within how many days must a landlord in DC return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated?
A. 45 days
B. 30 days
C. 15 days
D. 60 days
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Under DC law, landlords must return security deposits with
interest within 45 days after the tenancy ends.
3. Which DC agency regulates rental housing and administers the Rental Housing Act?
A. Housing Authority (DCHA)
B. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
D. DC Water
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DCRA (now transitioning to DOB and DLCP) historically and
currently handles housing regulations, though DHCD oversees certain housing programs;
DCRA/DOB specifically administers licensing and tenant protection regulations.
4. What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge a residential tenant in DC?
A. 10 percent of the monthly rent payment
B. 5 percent of the monthly rent payment
C. 15 percent of the monthly rent payment
D. No late fee is allowed
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: DC law caps residential late fees at 5 percent of the total
monthly rent due, and they cannot be charged until rent is at least 5 days late.
5. What does TOPA stand for in the context of DC real estate and property management?
A. Total Occupancy Property Assessment
B. Tenant Overpayment Prevention Act
C. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
D. Tenant Organization and Property Agreement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: TOPA stands for the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which
gives DC tenants the right to purchase their building when an owner decides to sell.
6. Which residential units are generally exempt from DC Rent Control?
A. Units built after 1975
B. All apartment buildings in Ward 1
C. Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in DC
D. All units managed by a property management company
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by individual landlords who own four or fewer
rental units in the District are exempt from rent control.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. What is the primary purpose of a security deposit held by a landlord in the District of
Columbia?
A. To cover the landlord’s property taxes
B. To pay for routine maintenance and plumbing repairs
C. To pay the property manager’s annual bonus
D. To cover unpaid rent or property damage caused by the tenant
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Security deposits are held to ensure compliance with the lease,
specifically to cover unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
2. Within how many days must a landlord in DC return a tenant’s security deposit after the
tenancy is terminated?
A. 45 days
B. 30 days
C. 15 days
D. 60 days
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Under DC law, landlords must return security deposits with
interest within 45 days after the tenancy ends.
3. Which DC agency regulates rental housing and administers the Rental Housing Act?
A. Housing Authority (DCHA)
B. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
D. DC Water
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DCRA (now transitioning to DOB and DLCP) historically and
currently handles housing regulations, though DHCD oversees certain housing programs;
DCRA/DOB specifically administers licensing and tenant protection regulations.
4. What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge a residential tenant in DC?
A. 10 percent of the monthly rent payment
B. 5 percent of the monthly rent payment
C. 15 percent of the monthly rent payment
D. No late fee is allowed
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: DC law caps residential late fees at 5 percent of the total
monthly rent due, and they cannot be charged until rent is at least 5 days late.
5. What does TOPA stand for in the context of DC real estate and property management?
A. Total Occupancy Property Assessment
B. Tenant Overpayment Prevention Act
C. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
D. Tenant Organization and Property Agreement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: TOPA stands for the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which
gives DC tenants the right to purchase their building when an owner decides to sell.
6. Which residential units are generally exempt from DC Rent Control?
A. Units built after 1975
B. All apartment buildings in Ward 1
C. Units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in DC
D. All units managed by a property management company
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Units owned by individual landlords who own four or fewer
rental units in the District are exempt from rent control.
