Property Management Certification
Exam (2025/2026) – 70 Verified Questions
with Correct Answers and Expert
Property Law Explanations | Graded A+
Tenant Law (Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A tenant reports a broken water heater. According to the implied warranty of habitability, what is
the landlord’s obligation?
A) Ignore the request if the tenant is late on rent
B) Repair the water heater promptly
C) Charge the tenant for repairs
D) Wait until the lease ends to address
Rationale: The implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain essential services
like hot water, heating, and plumbing to ensure livable conditions. Prompt repair is mandatory,
regardless of rent payment status, to comply with state laws.
Question 2
A tenant fails to pay rent for two months. What is the first step a property manager should take?
A) Change the locks immediately
B) Issue a written notice to pay or quit
C) File an eviction lawsuit
D) Withhold the security deposit
Rationale: Most states require a written notice to pay or quit (e.g., 3–7 days) before initiating
eviction proceedings, ensuring tenants have an opportunity to remedy the violation. Self-help
evictions, like changing locks, are illegal.
Question 3
A tenant requests to break their lease due to domestic violence. What should the property
manager do?
A) Deny the request and enforce the lease
B) Allow early termination with documentation
C) Charge a penalty fee
D) Require 60 days’ notice
, 2
Rationale: Many states, under tenant protection laws, allow early lease termination for victims
of domestic violence with proper documentation (e.g., restraining order), prioritizing tenant
safety over lease terms.
Question 4
Which tenant right is protected under most state landlord-tenant laws?
A) Free utilities
B) Right to a habitable dwelling
C) Unlimited guests
D) Rent control
Rationale: The right to a habitable dwelling is a core tenant right under the implied warranty of
habitability, ensuring safe and livable conditions. Other options vary by jurisdiction or lease
terms.
Question 5
A tenant complains about a neighbor’s noise. What is the property manager’s best action?
A) Ignore the complaint
B) Investigate and mediate the issue
C) Evict the noisy tenant
D) Charge the complaining tenant a fee
Rationale: Property managers must address tenant complaints promptly and fairly. Investigating
and mediating noise disputes upholds the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment and prevents
escalation.
Question 6
A landlord wants to enter a tenant’s unit for a non-emergency inspection. What is required?
A) No notice is needed
B) Provide reasonable notice (e.g., 24–48 hours)
C) Tenant’s written consent
D) Court order
Rationale: State laws typically require landlords to provide reasonable notice (24–48 hours) for
non-emergency entry to respect tenant privacy, except in emergencies.
Question 7
A tenant abandons the property before the lease ends. What can the property manager do?
A) Keep the security deposit without notice
B) Attempt to re-rent and mitigate damages
C) Change the locks immediately
D) Sue the tenant for the full lease term
Rationale: Most states require landlords to mitigate damages by attempting to re-rent the unit
after tenant abandonment, rather than automatically charging for the remaining lease term.
, 3
Question 8
Which action violates a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment?
A) Scheduled maintenance
B) Frequent unannounced landlord entries
C) Rent collection on time
D) Providing repair notices
Rationale: The right to quiet enjoyment protects tenants from undue interference, such as
frequent unannounced entries, which violate privacy rights under landlord -tenant laws.
Question 9
A tenant requests a repair for a minor issue (e.g., a leaky faucet). How should the property
manager respond?
A) Ignore minor repairs
B) Address the repair in a reasonable time
C) Charge the tenant for the repair
D) Wait until the tenant moves out
Rationale: Landlords must address all repairs affecting habitability or tenant comfort in a
reasonable time to comply with maintenance obligations and maintain tenant satisfaction.
Question 10
A tenant withholds rent due to an unrepaired heating system. Is this legal?
A) No, rent must always be paid
B) Yes, if the landlord fails to repair
C) Only with a court order
D) Only for minor repairs
Rationale: In many states, tenants may withhold rent or pursue “repair and deduct” if the
landlord fails to address essential repairs like heating, after proper notice, under the warranty of
habitability.
Question 11
What is a valid ground for eviction in most states?
A) Tenant requesting repairs
B) Non-payment of rent
C) Tenant having guests
D) Tenant joining a tenant union
Rationale: Non-payment of rent is a common and valid ground for eviction, provided proper
notice and legal procedures are followed. Other options may be protected tenant rights.
Question 12