CAM Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which KPI best measures the financial impact of unit downtime between tenancies? → Economic vacancy loss
2. Which budgeting method requires every expense to be justified from zero each budget cycle rather than basing it on the prior year? → Zero-based budgeting
3. What is the purpose of a risk register? → To document identified risks, their analysis, and planned responses
4. Which of the following is NOT included when calculating Effective Gross Income (EGI)? → Mortgage principal payments
5. Which type of maintenance request should always be treated as an emergency? → A gas leak detected by a resident
6. Which of the following best describes a 'pro forma' budget in real estate? → A projected financial performance statement used for planning or investment analysis
7. Which federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin? → Fair Housing Act (FHA)
8. Which leadership style is most effective when onboarding a brand-new leasing agent with no prior apartment industry experience? → Coaching — high direction combined with encouragement
9. What is the primary purpose of business interruption insurance for an apartment community? → To replace lost rental income while the property is being repaired
10. When a resident with a disability requests permission to install grab bars in the bathroom, this is classified as a: → Reasonable modification
11. What is the purpose of a building systems inventory in apartment management? → To catalog all major equipment with age, warranty, and maintenance schedule
12. When a vendor invoice is received but not yet paid, it is recorded in which account? → Accounts payable
13. A leasing consultant reports feeling harassed by a co-worker. As a CAM, your immediate obligation is to: → Notify HR and follow the company's harassment investigation protocol
14. What does the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) measure in apartment property finance? → The ability of net operating income to cover mortgage payments
15. When communicating a major strategic change — such as a shift to self-guided tours — to leasing staff, the CAM should FIRST: → Explain the strategic rationale and training plan before implementation
16. What should a property manager do if they receive a fair housing complaint? → Investigate and document the complaint.
17. A capital expenditure (CapEx) differs from an operating expense primarily because CapEx: → Provides benefit over multiple years and is depreciated over its useful life
18. What is the primary purpose of a preventive maintenance program in apartment management? → To reduce long-term repair costs and extend asset life
19. Replacement reserves on an operating budget represent funds set aside for: → Major capital items that will eventually need replacement, such as HVAC or roofs
20. Under OSHA regulations, property managers must provide employees with proper training on hazardous chemicals: → At the time of initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced
21. Under OSHA standards, which practice is required when maintenance staff use hazardous chemicals on the property? → Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible to all workers
22. Which financial statement shows a property's assets, liabilities, and owner equity at a specific point in time? → Balance sheet
23. What is a concession in apartment marketing? → An incentive offered to prospective residents, such as one month free rent
24. Which KPI BEST measures the financial effectiveness of a lease renewal campaign? → Renewal rate as a percentage of expiring leases
25. An apartment property's break-even ratio is 75%. This means the property: → Needs 75% of gross potential rent to cover expenses and debt service
26. What is a critical path in project management? → The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration
27. Which document outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords? → Lease agreement
28. What are the three main financial statements? → Income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
29. Which of the following best describes deferred maintenance? → Repairs that are postponed, leading to greater deterioration over time
30. A property manager receives a report showing month-over-month rent growth of 0.5% but year-over-year growth of 8%. Which interpretation is most accurate? → Recent growth has slowed from earlier in the year but the annual trend remains strong