CA REAL ESTATE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CA REAL ESTATE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a real estate salesperson license in California? → 18 years
2. In California, a landlord must provide how much notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy for a tenant who has lived there for more than one year? → 60 days
3. Which of the following is not included in the "Principle of Balance"? → Depreciation
4. The income approach to value is MOST appropriate for which type of property? → Income-producing investment properties
5. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) adds which protected class that is NOT found in federal fair housing law? → Source of income
6. Which term describes the illegal practice of directing buyers toward or away from neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity? → Steering
7. Property managers can be protected against receiving no fees when managing a vacant property they are unable to rent by a → minimum fee
8. Agent advice to owners on showing their home would NOT include → instructions to be present so they can volunteer information
9. A chattel mortgage is usually given in connection with? → Personal Property
10. A licensee who has a personal interest in a transaction MUST: → Disclose the interest to all parties
11. What financial report shows a property's income, expenses, and net operating income over a period of time? → Operating statement (income statement)
12. How many acres are in a parcel that measures 660 feet by 660 feet? → 10 acres
13. Which principle requires that a real estate licensee avoid placing their own interests above those of their client? → Duty of loyalty
14. An investment property was purchased for $400,000 and sold 5 years later for $520,000. What is the total return on investment (ROI)? → 30%
15. A real estate salesperson's license in California is valid for how long? → 4 years
16. Which of the following is NOT a government power used to control land use? → Easement by prescription
17. A lot measures 150 feet by 200 feet. How many square feet does it contain? → 30,000 sq ft
18. What government power allows the state to take private property for public use after paying just compensation? → Eminent domain
19. Under the Fair Housing Act, which type of senior housing community may legally restrict occupancy to persons 62 or older? → A community where all residents are 62 or older
20. If a listing broker and selling broker split the 6% commission equally, how much does each receive on a $350,000 sale? → $10,500
21. Which term describes the loss in value of a property due to physical wear and tear over time? → Physical deterioration
22. Which type of lease requires the tenant to pay a base rent plus some or all of the property's operating expenses? → Net lease
23. Under the Fair Housing Act, 'familial status' is defined as: → A household with one or more children under 18 living with a parent or legal guardian
24. The lending of money at a rate of interest above the legal rate is? → Usury
25. When comparing properties in the sales comparison approach, adjustments are made to which property? → The comparable sale only
26. When a government regulation deprives an owner of substantially all economic use of their property without physical taking, it may be considered: → A regulatory taking
27. Which federal law is the primary law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing? → Fair Housing Act of 1968
28. What is the purpose of a CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charge in a commercial lease? → To recover costs for maintaining shared areas like parking lots and lobbies
29. Which of the following is a property manager's responsibility under California law? → Maintaining the property in a habitable condition
30. Which term describes the right of the state to take ownership of property when a person dies without heirs and without a will? → Escheat