Washington Practice TestProperty Management

Washington Property Management
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Property management questions on the Washington exam cover both the practical aspects of managing rental properties and the landlord-tenant law specific to Washington. The Washington Department of Licensing tests security deposit limits, required notice periods for entry and termination, habitability standards, and the property manager's fiduciary duties. Washington'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.

Practice Questions

Washington Property Management — Practice Questions & Answers

122 questions on Property Management from the Washington real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 122.

Q1. Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) requires landlords to maintain rental units in a:

A.Like-new condition at all times
B.Habitable condition with essential services and structural safety
C.Condition meeting the original construction standard
D.Standard determined solely by the landlord

Explanation

RCW 59.18 requires Washington landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including providing essential services (heat, water, electricity), maintaining structural safety, and complying with applicable housing codes.

Q2. Under Washington's RCW 59.18, the maximum security deposit a residential landlord may collect is:

A.One month's rent
B.Two months' rent
C.Three months' rent
D.No statutory limit on security deposits

Explanation

Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) does not impose a statutory cap on the amount of security deposit a residential landlord may collect, though local ordinances may impose limits.

Q3. In Washington, a landlord must return a security deposit within how many days after the tenant vacates?

A.14 days
B.21 days
C.30 days
D.45 days

Explanation

Under RCW 59.18, a Washington landlord must return the security deposit (or provide an itemized written statement of deductions) within 21 days after the tenant has vacated and returned the keys.

Q4. A Washington landlord wishes to raise the rent on a month-to-month tenant. The landlord must provide written notice at least:

A.10 days before the increase takes effect
B.20 days before the increase takes effect
C.30 days before the increase takes effect
D.60 days before the increase takes effect

Explanation

Under Washington law (RCW 59.18.140), landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent on month-to-month tenancies, as of the 2023 legislative amendment.

Q5. A Washington tenant on a month-to-month lease wants to terminate their tenancy. They must give the landlord:

A.10 days' notice
B.20 days' notice
C.30 days' notice
D.60 days' notice

Explanation

A Washington tenant on a month-to-month lease must give the landlord at least 20 days' written notice before the end of the rental period to terminate the tenancy under RCW 59.18.

Q6. Under Washington's unlawful detainer statutes, a landlord who begins eviction proceedings must first provide the tenant with a:

A.60-day notice to vacate
B.14-day pay or vacate notice for nonpayment of rent
C.Court summons without prior notice
D.Notice only to the county sheriff

Explanation

For nonpayment of rent, Washington landlords must serve a 14-day pay or vacate notice before filing an unlawful detainer action. The notice gives the tenant the opportunity to pay the overdue rent and avoid eviction.

Q7. In Washington, a property manager's trust account must be:

A.A personal interest-bearing account
B.A separate bank account for client funds, not commingled with operating funds
C.Maintained by the designated broker in the manager's name
D.Filed with the DOL monthly

Explanation

Washington law requires property managers to maintain client funds (security deposits, rents) in a separate trust account that is not commingled with the manager's own funds. Commingling is a serious violation.

Q8. A Washington commercial lease with a percentage rent clause requires the tenant to pay:

A.A fixed rent plus a percentage of their gross sales above a breakpoint
B.A percentage of the landlord's expenses
C.Rent only during profitable months
D.A percentage of the property's assessed value

Explanation

Percentage rent (common in retail leases) requires the tenant to pay a base rent plus a percentage of their gross sales once sales exceed a specified breakpoint. This aligns the landlord's and tenant's interests.

Q9. In a Washington triple-net (NNN) commercial lease, the tenant is responsible for:

A.Rent only
B.Rent plus the landlord's mortgage payments
C.Rent plus property taxes, insurance, and maintenance/operating expenses
D.Rent plus a percentage of the landlord's other properties

Explanation

In a triple-net (NNN) lease, the tenant pays the base rent plus the three 'nets': property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance/operating expenses. This shifts most property costs to the tenant.

Q10. A Washington property manager who collects rents and security deposits is performing activities that require:

A.Only a property manager certification
B.A real estate broker license issued by the DOL
C.A Department of Financial Institutions license
D.No license if managing fewer than five units

Explanation

In Washington, property management activities — including collecting rents, negotiating leases, and managing properties for others — constitute real estate brokerage activities requiring a license from the DOL under RCW 18.85.

Q11. A Washington landlord may enter a tenant's unit for non-emergency repairs with at least:

A.12 hours' notice
B.24 hours' notice
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