DC Property Manager Exam ACTUAL EXAM
2026/2027 | DCRA Requirements | Verified Q&A
| Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: DC REAL ESTATE LAWS & REGULATIONS (25 Questions)
Q1: A property manager in Washington, DC receives a written request from a tenant to inspect their unit
for lead-based paint hazards. The building was constructed in 1965 and has no previous lead inspection
records. Under DCRA requirements, how many days does the property manager have to complete the
lead hazard inspection after receiving the tenant's written request?
A. 15 calendar days
B. 30 calendar days
C. 45 calendar days [CORRECT]
D. 60 calendar days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under DC Municipal Regulations (14 DCMR § 408), property owners/managers have 45
calendar days to complete a lead hazard inspection following a tenant's written request for properties
built before 1978. Choice A (15 days) is incorrect; this applies to emergency repairs, not lead inspections.
Choice B (30 days) is the timeframe for responding to the request, not completing the inspection. Choice
D (60 days) has no basis in DC lead hazard regulations. Reference: DCRA Lead Hazard Prevention and
Elimination Act, 14 DCMR § 408.3.
Q2: A property manager in DC is preparing to lease a single-family home built in 1972. Which lead-based
paint disclosure requirement applies under DC law?
A. No disclosure required for single-family rentals.
B. Provide the tenant with a lead disclosure statement and EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from
Lead in Your Home" before lease signing. [CORRECT]
C. Post a lead warning sign in the lobby only.
D. Provide disclosure only if the tenant specifically asks about lead.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC's Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act requires lead disclosure (known hazards,
reports, pamphlet) for all pre-1978 residential properties, including single-family rentals, before lease
execution. Choice A is false (single-family exemption doesn't exist in DC). Choice C is insufficient
,(disclosure must be direct). Choice D is incorrect (proactive disclosure is mandatory). Reference: DC
Official Code § 8-231.03; 14 DCMR § 402.
Q3: Under DC's Basic Business License (BBL) requirements, which activity requires a property manager
to obtain a Property Manager license?
A. Managing an owner-occupied building with 3 rental units.
B. Managing a 6-unit apartment building for a third-party owner. [CORRECT]
C. Managing your own single-family rental property.
D. Acting as a leasing agent only (no ongoing management).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC requires a Property Manager BBL for managing rental property on behalf of another for
compensation when the property has 5+ units or when the manager is not the owner. Choice A (under 5
units, owner-occupied) is exempt. Choice C (own property) is exempt. Choice D (leasing only) requires a
separate leasing agent license. Reference: DC Official Code § 47-2853.03; DCRA BBL Property Manager
Classification.
Q4: A tenant in a DC rent-controlled unit receives notice of a rent increase. The unit was built in 1985
and has not been substantially rehabilitated. What is the maximum annual rent increase allowed under
DC Rent Stabilization Program for 2026?
A. No rent increases allowed in DC.
B. CPI-W percentage plus 2%, capped at 10% total.
C. CPI-W percentage plus 2%, capped at 10% for elderly/disabled; CPI-W plus 2% capped at 5% for
others. [CORRECT]
D. Unlimited increases with 30-day notice.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DC's Rent Stabilization Program (2026) allows rent increases based on CPI-W plus 2%, with
different caps: 10% for elderly (62+) or disabled tenants, 5% for all other tenants. Choice A is false
(increases allowed within limits). Choice B misses the dual cap structure. Choice D describes non-rent-
controlled units. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3502.08; DHCD Rent Stabilization Program 2026
Adjustment.
Q5: A property manager discovers that a tenant has been subletting their rent-controlled apartment
without permission. The original lease prohibits subletting without written consent. What is the
property manager's first legal step under DC law?
A. Immediately change the locks and remove the tenant's belongings.
B. Serve a 30-day notice to cure or vacate for lease violation. [CORRECT]
,C. File for eviction in Landlord and Tenant Court without notice.
D. Increase the rent to market rate immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unauthorized subletting is a lease violation requiring proper notice (30 days to cure or
vacate) before eviction proceedings. Self-help eviction (A) is illegal. Immediate court filing (C) without
notice violates due process. Rent increases (D) require proper notice and must follow rent control limits.
Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3505.01; DC Landlord and Tenant Court Rules.
Q6: Under DC's Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), how many days does a tenant have to
exercise their right to purchase after receiving the Owner's Offer of Sale?
A. 15 days
B. 30 days [CORRECT]
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TOPA grants tenants 30 days from receiving the Offer of Sale to provide a written statement
of interest (intent to purchase). This is distinct from the 60-day negotiation period and 90-day
settlement period that follow. Choice A is too short. Choices C and D describe subsequent TOPA phases,
not the initial exercise period. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3404.02; TOPA Single Family Home
Exemption Amendment Act.
Q7: A property manager in DC is handling a TOPA transaction for a 12-unit building. The tenant
association assigns its TOPA rights to a third-party developer. What is the maximum assignment fee
permitted under current DC law?
A. No assignment fees are permitted.
B. $1,000 per unit
C. $5,000 per unit or 5% of purchase price, whichever is less [CORRECT]
D. Unlimited assignment fees with tenant approval.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TOPA assignment fees are capped at $5,000 per unit or 5% of the purchase price, whichever
is less, following TOPA reform legislation. Choice A is false (assignments are permitted with limits).
Choice B is below the cap. Choice D describes pre-reform practice. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-
3404.02a; TOPA Reform Amendment Act of 2024.
Q8: A DC property manager receives a complaint that a tenant's unit has no heat on a day when the
outdoor temperature is 35°F. Under DC Housing Code, what is the minimum temperature the property
, manager must maintain in the unit?
A. 65°F during daytime hours only.
B. 68°F from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM and 65°F at all other times. [CORRECT]
C. 70°F at all times regardless of outdoor temperature.
D. 60°F is acceptable if the tenant has space heaters.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC Housing Code (14 DCMR § 302.1) requires heating systems capable of maintaining 68°F
(6:30 AM-11 PM) and 65°F (11 PM-6:30 AM) when outdoor temperature is 35°F or below. Choice A
misses nighttime requirements. Choice C exceeds code. Choice D violates code (space heaters don't
excuse landlord heating obligations). Reference: 14 DCMR § 302.1; DCRA Housing Code Bulletin 2024-
03.
Q9: A property manager in DC is drafting a lease for a new tenant. Which lease provision would violate
DC law?
A. Rent due on the 1st of each month with 5-day grace period.
B. Tenant responsible for utilities except water and sewer.
C. Automatic lease renewal for 2 years unless tenant provides 60-day notice. [CORRECT]
D. Security deposit limited to one month's rent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DC law prohibits automatic renewal clauses that exceed the original lease term without
tenant's affirmative consent; 2-year automatic renewal is unenforceable. Choice A is permissible (grace
periods are required). Choice B is standard. Choice D is the legal maximum. Reference: DC Official Code
§ 42-3502.15; 14 DCMR § 310.
Q10: A tenant in DC reports that their landlord has entered their unit three times in one week without
notice, claiming "emergency repairs." There were no emergencies. What legal protection has the
landlord violated?
A. Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search.
B. DC's Quiet Enjoyment Act requiring 48-hour notice except emergencies. [CORRECT]
C. TOPA rights.
D. Fair Housing Act privacy provisions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC law requires 48 hours written notice for landlord entry except genuine emergencies;
repeated unauthorized entry violates tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Fourth Amendment (A) applies
to government, not private landlords. TOPA (C) concerns purchase rights. Fair Housing (D) addresses
discrimination, not privacy. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3505.07; 14 DCMR § 311.
2026/2027 | DCRA Requirements | Verified Q&A
| Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: DC REAL ESTATE LAWS & REGULATIONS (25 Questions)
Q1: A property manager in Washington, DC receives a written request from a tenant to inspect their unit
for lead-based paint hazards. The building was constructed in 1965 and has no previous lead inspection
records. Under DCRA requirements, how many days does the property manager have to complete the
lead hazard inspection after receiving the tenant's written request?
A. 15 calendar days
B. 30 calendar days
C. 45 calendar days [CORRECT]
D. 60 calendar days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under DC Municipal Regulations (14 DCMR § 408), property owners/managers have 45
calendar days to complete a lead hazard inspection following a tenant's written request for properties
built before 1978. Choice A (15 days) is incorrect; this applies to emergency repairs, not lead inspections.
Choice B (30 days) is the timeframe for responding to the request, not completing the inspection. Choice
D (60 days) has no basis in DC lead hazard regulations. Reference: DCRA Lead Hazard Prevention and
Elimination Act, 14 DCMR § 408.3.
Q2: A property manager in DC is preparing to lease a single-family home built in 1972. Which lead-based
paint disclosure requirement applies under DC law?
A. No disclosure required for single-family rentals.
B. Provide the tenant with a lead disclosure statement and EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from
Lead in Your Home" before lease signing. [CORRECT]
C. Post a lead warning sign in the lobby only.
D. Provide disclosure only if the tenant specifically asks about lead.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC's Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act requires lead disclosure (known hazards,
reports, pamphlet) for all pre-1978 residential properties, including single-family rentals, before lease
execution. Choice A is false (single-family exemption doesn't exist in DC). Choice C is insufficient
,(disclosure must be direct). Choice D is incorrect (proactive disclosure is mandatory). Reference: DC
Official Code § 8-231.03; 14 DCMR § 402.
Q3: Under DC's Basic Business License (BBL) requirements, which activity requires a property manager
to obtain a Property Manager license?
A. Managing an owner-occupied building with 3 rental units.
B. Managing a 6-unit apartment building for a third-party owner. [CORRECT]
C. Managing your own single-family rental property.
D. Acting as a leasing agent only (no ongoing management).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC requires a Property Manager BBL for managing rental property on behalf of another for
compensation when the property has 5+ units or when the manager is not the owner. Choice A (under 5
units, owner-occupied) is exempt. Choice C (own property) is exempt. Choice D (leasing only) requires a
separate leasing agent license. Reference: DC Official Code § 47-2853.03; DCRA BBL Property Manager
Classification.
Q4: A tenant in a DC rent-controlled unit receives notice of a rent increase. The unit was built in 1985
and has not been substantially rehabilitated. What is the maximum annual rent increase allowed under
DC Rent Stabilization Program for 2026?
A. No rent increases allowed in DC.
B. CPI-W percentage plus 2%, capped at 10% total.
C. CPI-W percentage plus 2%, capped at 10% for elderly/disabled; CPI-W plus 2% capped at 5% for
others. [CORRECT]
D. Unlimited increases with 30-day notice.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DC's Rent Stabilization Program (2026) allows rent increases based on CPI-W plus 2%, with
different caps: 10% for elderly (62+) or disabled tenants, 5% for all other tenants. Choice A is false
(increases allowed within limits). Choice B misses the dual cap structure. Choice D describes non-rent-
controlled units. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3502.08; DHCD Rent Stabilization Program 2026
Adjustment.
Q5: A property manager discovers that a tenant has been subletting their rent-controlled apartment
without permission. The original lease prohibits subletting without written consent. What is the
property manager's first legal step under DC law?
A. Immediately change the locks and remove the tenant's belongings.
B. Serve a 30-day notice to cure or vacate for lease violation. [CORRECT]
,C. File for eviction in Landlord and Tenant Court without notice.
D. Increase the rent to market rate immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unauthorized subletting is a lease violation requiring proper notice (30 days to cure or
vacate) before eviction proceedings. Self-help eviction (A) is illegal. Immediate court filing (C) without
notice violates due process. Rent increases (D) require proper notice and must follow rent control limits.
Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3505.01; DC Landlord and Tenant Court Rules.
Q6: Under DC's Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), how many days does a tenant have to
exercise their right to purchase after receiving the Owner's Offer of Sale?
A. 15 days
B. 30 days [CORRECT]
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TOPA grants tenants 30 days from receiving the Offer of Sale to provide a written statement
of interest (intent to purchase). This is distinct from the 60-day negotiation period and 90-day
settlement period that follow. Choice A is too short. Choices C and D describe subsequent TOPA phases,
not the initial exercise period. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3404.02; TOPA Single Family Home
Exemption Amendment Act.
Q7: A property manager in DC is handling a TOPA transaction for a 12-unit building. The tenant
association assigns its TOPA rights to a third-party developer. What is the maximum assignment fee
permitted under current DC law?
A. No assignment fees are permitted.
B. $1,000 per unit
C. $5,000 per unit or 5% of purchase price, whichever is less [CORRECT]
D. Unlimited assignment fees with tenant approval.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TOPA assignment fees are capped at $5,000 per unit or 5% of the purchase price, whichever
is less, following TOPA reform legislation. Choice A is false (assignments are permitted with limits).
Choice B is below the cap. Choice D describes pre-reform practice. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-
3404.02a; TOPA Reform Amendment Act of 2024.
Q8: A DC property manager receives a complaint that a tenant's unit has no heat on a day when the
outdoor temperature is 35°F. Under DC Housing Code, what is the minimum temperature the property
, manager must maintain in the unit?
A. 65°F during daytime hours only.
B. 68°F from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM and 65°F at all other times. [CORRECT]
C. 70°F at all times regardless of outdoor temperature.
D. 60°F is acceptable if the tenant has space heaters.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC Housing Code (14 DCMR § 302.1) requires heating systems capable of maintaining 68°F
(6:30 AM-11 PM) and 65°F (11 PM-6:30 AM) when outdoor temperature is 35°F or below. Choice A
misses nighttime requirements. Choice C exceeds code. Choice D violates code (space heaters don't
excuse landlord heating obligations). Reference: 14 DCMR § 302.1; DCRA Housing Code Bulletin 2024-
03.
Q9: A property manager in DC is drafting a lease for a new tenant. Which lease provision would violate
DC law?
A. Rent due on the 1st of each month with 5-day grace period.
B. Tenant responsible for utilities except water and sewer.
C. Automatic lease renewal for 2 years unless tenant provides 60-day notice. [CORRECT]
D. Security deposit limited to one month's rent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DC law prohibits automatic renewal clauses that exceed the original lease term without
tenant's affirmative consent; 2-year automatic renewal is unenforceable. Choice A is permissible (grace
periods are required). Choice B is standard. Choice D is the legal maximum. Reference: DC Official Code
§ 42-3502.15; 14 DCMR § 310.
Q10: A tenant in DC reports that their landlord has entered their unit three times in one week without
notice, claiming "emergency repairs." There were no emergencies. What legal protection has the
landlord violated?
A. Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search.
B. DC's Quiet Enjoyment Act requiring 48-hour notice except emergencies. [CORRECT]
C. TOPA rights.
D. Fair Housing Act privacy provisions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DC law requires 48 hours written notice for landlord entry except genuine emergencies;
repeated unauthorized entry violates tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Fourth Amendment (A) applies
to government, not private landlords. TOPA (C) concerns purchase rights. Fair Housing (D) addresses
discrimination, not privacy. Reference: DC Official Code § 42-3505.07; 14 DCMR § 311.
