Certified Residential Leasing Specialist (CRLS) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Under the federal lead disclosure rule, how long must a lessor and agent keep signed lead disclosure records?

2 years from move-out
3 years from the start of the lease (Correct answer)
1 year from lease signing
7 years from the start of the lease

Correct answer: 3 years from the start of the lease

Lessors and agents must retain copies of the signed disclosure and acknowledgment for three years from the commencement of the leasing period.

Question 2: A fixed-term lease expires, the resident stays, and the landlord accepts the next monthly rent payment. In most states, what tenancy is created?

Tenancy at sufferance
Tenancy for years
Month-to-month periodic tenancy (Correct answer)
A new fixed one-year lease

Correct answer: Month-to-month periodic tenancy

Accepting rent from a holdover tenant generally creates a periodic tenancy that matches the rent payment interval.

Question 3: What is a lease addendum?

A landlord's notice of intent to sell the property
A written modification or addition to an existing lease agreement (Correct answer)
A court order requiring a tenant to vacate the premises
A document voiding the original lease entirely

Correct answer: A written modification or addition to an existing lease agreement

A lease addendum is an attached document that modifies, adds to, or clarifies specific terms of the original lease without replacing it.

Question 4: The covenant of quiet enjoyment in a lease primarily guarantees what?

The tenant's right to possess and use the premises without the landlord's unreasonable interference (Correct answer)
Exemption from community rules and quiet hours
The landlord's right to enter at any time without notice
Freedom from noise caused by neighbors at all times

Correct answer: The tenant's right to possess and use the premises without the landlord's unreasonable interference

Quiet enjoyment protects the tenant's possession and use from interference by the landlord or those claiming through the landlord.

Question 5: An owner lives in one unit of a fourplex and rents the other three without a broker. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, which exemption may apply?

The private club exemption
The single-family home exemption
The housing for older persons exemption
The 'Mrs. Murphy' owner-occupied exemption (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The 'Mrs. Murphy' owner-occupied exemption

Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units can be exempt from most FHA provisions, but not from the ban on discriminatory advertising.

Question 6: A lender offers a $360,000 loan on a rental appraised at $450,000. What is the loan-to-value ratio?

80% (Correct answer)
75%
125%
85%

Correct answer: 80%

LTV = loan ÷ value = $360,000 ÷ $450,000 = 80%.

Question 7: A lease ends and the tenant stays, and the landlord accepts the next month's rent without a new agreement. In many states this creates:

A trespass
A tenancy at sufferance
A periodic (often month-to-month) tenancy (Correct answer)
An automatic one-year renewal

Correct answer: A periodic (often month-to-month) tenancy

Accepting rent from a holdover tenant commonly creates a periodic tenancy under the prior terms.

Question 8: What is the role of documentation in regulatory compliance?

It provides verifiable evidence that standards are being met (Correct answer)
It serves no practical purpose beyond record-keeping
It is optional if verbal confirmation is available
It is only necessary for international operations

Correct answer: It provides verifiable evidence that standards are being met

Documentation provides verifiable evidence that regulatory requirements are being met and creates an audit trail for compliance verification.

Question 9: An $8,000 kitchen upgrade allows rent to increase by $100 per month. What is the annual return on the renovation cost?

15% (Correct answer)
12%
6.7%
8%

Correct answer: 15%

Annual added rent is $1,200, and $1,200 ÷ $8,000 = 15%.

Question 10: What makes a property listing stand out in digital marketplaces?

Optimized listing titles, professional photos, and detailed descriptions (Correct answer)
Posting the same listing daily
Hiding the property address
Using all capital letters in the title

Correct answer: Optimized listing titles, professional photos, and detailed descriptions

Optimized listing titles, professional photos, and detailed descriptions make a property listing highly appealing and informative in digital marketplaces. Professional visuals capture attention, while clear titles and comprehensive descriptions provide essential information, helping potential tenants quickly understand the property's value. This combination significantly increases engagement and attracts more qualified leads.

Question 11: An acceleration clause in a mortgage allows the lender to:

Accept prepayment without penalty
Declare the entire balance immediately due upon default (Correct answer)
Shorten the amortization period at will
Raise the interest rate when the index rises

Correct answer: Declare the entire balance immediately due upon default

The acceleration clause lets the lender call the full loan due when the borrower defaults.

Question 12: HUD's 'Keating Memo' guidance generally treats which occupancy standard as reasonable?

Three persons per bedroom
Two persons per bedroom, subject to other factors (Correct answer)
One person per bedroom
No limit at all

Correct answer: Two persons per bedroom, subject to other factors

Two persons per bedroom is a general guideline, adjusted for factors like bedroom size, children's ages, and unit layout.

Question 13: A resident reports a musty odor and a water stain from a slow leak under the sink. What is the most important first step in mold prevention?

Paint over the stain with mold-resistant paint
Order air sampling before any repair
Apply bleach and leave the area damp to soak
Fix the leak and dry wet materials within 24-48 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fix the leak and dry wet materials within 24-48 hours

Mold control depends on eliminating the moisture source and drying materials within 24-48 hours.

Question 14: A property with a 'no pets' policy receives a request for an assistance animal from an applicant with a non-obvious disability. What may the provider do?

Request reliable documentation of the disability-related need for the animal (Correct answer)
Charge a pet deposit and monthly pet rent
Require the animal to be professionally trained and certified
Deny the request because of the pet policy

Correct answer: Request reliable documentation of the disability-related need for the animal

When the disability or need is not obvious, the provider may request reliable documentation but cannot charge pet fees or require certification.

Question 15: What does the PASS acronym describe for fire extinguisher use?

Pin, Angle, Spray, Shut
Prepare, Alert, Secure, Signal
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
Push, Activate, Spray, Stop

Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

Question 16: A leasing agent who is a REALTOR® learns a prospective tenant has a disability and suggests a different building 'with more people like you.' Which standard is most directly violated?

Article 3 on cooperation with other brokers
Article 16 on exclusive representation
Article 10 of the NAR Code of Ethics on equal professional services (Correct answer)
Article 12 on true advertising

Correct answer: Article 10 of the NAR Code of Ethics on equal professional services

Article 10 prohibits denying equal professional services or steering based on disability and other protected characteristics.

Question 17: What is the maximum security deposit most US states allow for an unfurnished residential unit?

Six months' rent
No limit; it is entirely at the landlord's discretion
One to two months' rent, depending on state law (Correct answer)
Any amount negotiated between landlord and tenant

Correct answer: One to two months' rent, depending on state law

Most states cap security deposits at one to two months' rent for unfurnished units, though exact limits vary by jurisdiction.

Question 18: Federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure for which residential leases?

All rentals built after 1990
Housing built before 1978, with limited exemptions (Correct answer)
Only single-family homes
Only rentals with children under 6

Correct answer: Housing built before 1978, with limited exemptions

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act applies to most pre-1978 housing.

Question 19: A tenant with a disability needs a live-in aide. The lease limits occupancy to people on the lease. What is the proper response?

Require the tenant to move to a larger unit at a higher rent
Allow the aide as a reasonable accommodation, subject to reasonable screening (Correct answer)
Require the aide to pay a separate full rent
Deny the request because the aide is not on the lease

Correct answer: Allow the aide as a reasonable accommodation, subject to reasonable screening

Permitting a live-in aide is a common reasonable accommodation, and the provider may apply standard screening criteria to the aide.

Question 20: What information must an itemized security deposit deduction statement include?

Only the total amount withheld without detail
The landlord's estimate of the property's future market value
The tenant's credit score and payment history
A specific description of each deduction, the cost, and receipts or invoices where applicable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A specific description of each deduction, the cost, and receipts or invoices where applicable

Most states require landlords to provide detailed itemization with descriptions, costs, and supporting documentation for each deduction from the security deposit.

Question 21: What is the main purpose of preparing a "model" or "show" unit?

To store maintenance supplies
To let prospects visualize living in the home and see its potential (Correct answer)
To meet a legal requirement
To house the leasing office

Correct answer: To let prospects visualize living in the home and see its potential

A furnished, well-staged model helps prospects emotionally connect with the space and imagine themselves living there.

Question 22: In a Section 1031 like-kind exchange, within how many days of selling the relinquished property must the investor identify replacement property?

180 days
30 days
60 days
45 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 45 days

Replacement property must be identified within 45 days and the exchange completed within 180 days.

Question 23: A residential leasing agent wants to rent a client's unit to their own sibling. What does the Code of Ethics require?

Nothing, since a lease is not a sale
Verbal notice to the tenant only
Written disclosure of the family relationship to the owner (Correct answer)
Approval from the local MLS

Correct answer: Written disclosure of the family relationship to the owner

Article 4 requires disclosing in writing any interest the REALTOR® or their immediate family has in the transaction.

Question 24: Familial status protection under the FHA covers which of the following?

Households with a child under 21
Married couples only
A pregnant woman and a person securing legal custody of a child under 18 (Correct answer)
Unmarried roommates

Correct answer: A pregnant woman and a person securing legal custody of a child under 18

Familial status protects households with children under 18, pregnant persons, and those in the process of securing custody.

Question 25: When does a lease automatically convert to a month-to-month tenancy in most US states?

When the landlord stops collecting rent
When the tenant submits a written request for month-to-month status
When a property is sold to a new owner
When both parties continue performing under the lease terms after the fixed term expires without signing a renewal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When both parties continue performing under the lease terms after the fixed term expires without signing a renewal

If both the landlord and tenant continue the rental relationship after a fixed lease expires without a new agreement, most states treat it as a month-to-month tenancy.

Question 26: When must a property manager provide a tenant with written notice before entering the rental unit in most US states?

7 days in advance for any entry
No notice is required if the manager has a key
24 to 48 hours in advance, except for emergencies (Correct answer)
Only when the tenant requests an inspection

Correct answer: 24 to 48 hours in advance, except for emergencies

Most states require 24 to 48 hours written notice before a landlord or manager enters a rental unit, with emergency exceptions.

Question 27: Which law requires housing providers that receive federal financial assistance to pay for reasonable structural modifications for residents with disabilities, unless it is an undue burden?

Civil Rights Act of 1866
Housing for Older Persons Act
Title III of the ADA
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 applies to federally assisted programs and generally makes the provider responsible for the cost of modifications.

Question 28: If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit in violation of state law, what remedy may a tenant seek?

Only the return of the original deposit amount
Up to two to three times the deposit amount as a penalty, plus attorney fees (Correct answer)
Filing a complaint with the local zoning board
A rent reduction for the following month

Correct answer: Up to two to three times the deposit amount as a penalty, plus attorney fees

Many states impose statutory penalties of two to three times the wrongfully withheld amount to deter bad-faith withholding by landlords.

Question 29: A tenant provides a 30-day notice to vacate but the lease requires 60 days. What can the landlord do?

Immediately release the tenant from all lease obligations
Hold the tenant responsible for rent through the required 60-day notice period (Correct answer)
Accept the 30-day notice and waive the difference
Sue the tenant for the full remaining lease term

Correct answer: Hold the tenant responsible for rent through the required 60-day notice period

The landlord can hold the tenant to the lease's notice requirement and collect rent for the full notice period specified in the agreement.

Question 30: Which feature-benefit statement is most effective during a tour?

"With the in-unit washer and dryer, you'll never haul laundry to a laundromat again." (Correct answer)
"The unit is 950 square feet."
"This unit has a washer and dryer."
"All units are the same."

Correct answer: "With the in-unit washer and dryer, you'll never haul laundry to a laundromat again."

Effective presentations link a feature to a specific benefit that matters to the prospect.

Question 31: Under the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, when must the 'Renovate Right' pamphlet be given to occupants of a pre-1978 unit?

No more than 60 days before renovation begins (Correct answer)
Within 7 days after work finishes
Only if a child under 6 lives in the unit
On the first day of work only

Correct answer: No more than 60 days before renovation begins

The RRP Rule requires distributing the Renovate Right pamphlet no more than 60 days before beginning renovation work.

Certified Residential Leasing Specialist (CRLS)

The CRLS certifies proficiency in residential leasing operations, fair housing compliance, lease administration, property management, and investment fundamentals for leasing professionals.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. We have not yet matched this exam's facts to an official source, so confirm fees, dates and rules with the exam body. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy