California Property Management
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Property management questions on the California exam cover both the practical aspects of managing rental properties and the landlord-tenant law specific to California. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) tests security deposit limits, required notice periods for entry and termination, habitability standards, and the property manager's fiduciary duties. California's landlord-tenant law has specific provisions — including notice requirements and tenant protections — that differ from what national study materials cover. These questions often involve scenarios where a property manager must navigate competing obligations to the owner-client and the tenant.
Updated May 2026 · California Department of Real Estate (DRE) exam outline
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California Property Management — Practice Questions & Answers
77 questions on Property Management from the California real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 77.
Q1. In California, a landlord must give how much notice to enter a rental property for non-emergency repairs?
Explanation
California Civil Code requires landlords to give at least 24 hours written notice before entering a tenant's unit for non-emergency repairs or inspections.
Q2. What is a gross lease?
Explanation
In a gross lease, the tenant pays a fixed rent and the landlord covers all operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance). Common in residential rentals.
Q3. A percentage lease is most commonly used in:
Explanation
Percentage leases are common in retail settings (like shopping malls) where the tenant pays a base rent plus a percentage of their gross sales.
Q4. In California, a landlord must return a security deposit within how many days of a tenant moving out?
Explanation
California Civil Code requires landlords to return the security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) within 21 days after the tenant vacates.
Q5. A net lease requires the tenant to pay:
Explanation
In a net lease, the tenant pays base rent plus some operating expenses. A triple net (NNN) lease requires the tenant to pay base rent plus property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Q6. What is a 'holdover tenant'?
Explanation
A holdover tenant (tenant at sufferance) is one who remains in the property after their lease has expired without the landlord's permission. The landlord may choose to evict or accept them as a month-to-month tenant.
Q7. Under California law, what is the maximum security deposit a landlord may collect for an unfurnished residential unit?
Explanation
AB 12, effective July 1, 2024, amended California Civil Code §1950.5 to cap security deposits at one month's rent for most residential units (furnished or unfurnished), replacing the former two-month/three-month rule. A narrow exception allows certain small landlords to collect up to two months' rent on one qualifying unit.
Q8. A property manager who collects rents, signs leases, and manages maintenance on behalf of an owner must hold which California license?
Explanation
California requires anyone who performs property management activities (leasing, collecting rents, negotiating agreements) for compensation to hold a DRE real estate broker's or salesperson's license working under a broker.
Q9. How many days does a California landlord have to return a tenant's security deposit after the tenancy ends?
Explanation
Under Civil Code §1950.5(g), a landlord must return the security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates the property.
Q10. Which of the following is a legitimate deduction a landlord may make from a tenant's security deposit in California?
Explanation
California Civil Code §1950.5 allows deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear and items at end of useful life cannot be charged to the tenant.
Q11. In California, a month-to-month residential tenant who has lived in a property for more than one year must receive how much advance notice to terminate the tenancy?
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