Lease agreements, tenant screening, and landlord obligations tested on property management certification and licensing exams.
36 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is a lease agreement?
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A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that specifies the terms of the rental, including duration, rent amount, and responsibilities.- What are the essential terms that must be in a lease?
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Lease start and end dates, monthly rent amount, security deposit amount, names of all parties, property address, and house rules.- What is the purpose of a security deposit?
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To protect the landlord against tenant damage beyond normal wear and tear and to cover unpaid rent or utilities.- How many days must a landlord return a security deposit after move-out?
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30 to 45 days, depending on state law; the landlord must also provide an itemized list of any deductions.- What does the Fair Housing Act prohibit?
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Discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.- What is the purpose of tenant screening?
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To evaluate a prospective tenant's creditworthiness, rental history, and reliability to minimize risk of non-payment or property damage.- What information should a credit check reveal during tenant screening?
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Credit score, payment history, outstanding debts, collections accounts, and bankruptcy filings.- What should a background check include when screening tenants?
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Criminal history, eviction records, and civil judgments related to property or violence.- What is the purpose of reference checks during tenant screening?
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To verify the tenant's rental history, timeliness of rent payment, and reliability from previous landlords.- What does income verification in tenant screening typically verify?
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That the tenant's monthly income is sufficient, usually at least three times the monthly rent.- When may a landlord legally enter a rental property?
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To make repairs, show the property, inspect for damage, or handle emergencies; tenants must receive notice except in true emergencies.- How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental property?
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Usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on state law, and for non-emergency reasons only.- What are a landlord's maintenance responsibilities?
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Keeping the property in habitable condition, including structural integrity, utilities, heating, plumbing, roof repairs, and pest control.- What is the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure requirement?
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Landlords must disclose known lead hazards in properties built before 1978 and provide tenants with an EPA pamphlet.- What is habitability in the context of rental properties?
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A property that is safe, sanitary, and functional with adequate heat, water, plumbing, and protection from the elements.
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