DC Property Management License Practice Test

When a property is leased, the right of possession is temporarily transferred to the tenant. This means that the tenant gains the legal right to occupy and use the property for the duration of the lease agreement. The owner, while still retaining ownership of the property, relinquishes control over who can reside in or utilize the space, as the tenant now has the authority to make decisions related to their possession.

This transfer of possession is fundamental to lease agreements, as it establishes a legal relationship where the tenant is allowed to use the property in exchange for rental payments. The owner cannot interfere with the tenant's right to possess and use the property during the lease term, provided that the tenant complies with the terms of the lease. This is a critical aspect of property management and leasing, as it underlines the legal rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.

While the owner retains other rights—such as the right of control (which refers to decision-making regarding the property), the right of exclusion (the ability to prevent others from entering the property), and the right to sell (which pertains to ownership and transfer of ownership interests)—these rights are not transferred to the tenant in the same way that the right of possession is.