Arkansas Department of
Labor and Licensing
Real Estate Commission
612 South Summit Street
Little Rock, AR 72201-4701
Phone: (501) 683-8010
Fax: (501) 683-8020
www.arec.arkansas.gov
Real Estate Regulations
Time-Share Regulations
and
Federal Fair Housing Summary
April 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
REGULATIONS
SECTION 1. COMMISSION MEETINGS; APPEARANCES; SUBPOENAS.
1.1 Meetings of Commission. 6
1.2 Place of regular meetings. 6
1.3 Appearance before Commission. 6
1.4 Director to prepare agenda. 6
1.5 Director to fix salaries. 6
1.6 Subpoenas. 6
SECTION 2. DIRECTOR DUTIES, AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.
2.1 Director duties, authority, and responsibility. 7
SECTION 3. FEES; BAD CHECKS; REFUNDS.
3.1 Fees. 7
3.2 Dishonored checks. 8
3.3 Overpayment of fees. 8
3.4 Waiver of application fees. 8
SECTION 4. APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION; EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.
4.1 Applications; education; experience. 8
4.2 Examinations; passing scores; reexaminations. 12
4.3 Examinations; application procedure; time requirements. 13
4.4 [Repealed.] 13
4.5 Automatic licensure for unformed service members, veterans, and their spouses. 13
4.6 Pre-Licensure Criminal Background Check and Waiver Request 14
4.7 Work Permits Accepted 14
SECTION 5. NONRESIDENT LICENSURE.
5.1 Application. 15
5.2 List of approved jurisdictions. 15
5.3 [Repealed.] 15
5.4 Written agreements with other jurisdictions. 15
SECTION 6. RENEWAL; INACTIVE STATUS; EXPIRED LICENSES.
6.1 Renewal applications. 15
6.2 Inactive status renewal. 16
6.3 Expired licenses. 16
SECTION 7. FIRM NAME; OFFICES; SIGNS; TRANSFERS; CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
7.1 Firm name approval. 17
7.2 Temporary license. 17
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7.3 Place of business; sign. 17
7.4 Branch office. 18
7.5 Termination or transfer. 18
7.6 Change of address; lost license or pocket card. 19
7.7 Death of principal broker; closing of business. 19
SECTION 8. AGENCY DISCLOSURE.
8.1 Seller or lessor agents. 20
8.2 Buyer or lessee agents. 20
8.3 Dual agency. 20
8.4 Failure to disclose agency relationship. 21
8.5 Fidelity and honest dealing. 21
SECTION 9. COMPLAINTS; INVESTIGATIONS; HEARINGS.
9.1 Complaints. 21
9.2 Answers. 21
9.3 Investigation. 21
9.4 Disposition of complaints; appeals from dismissal. 22
9.5 Hearings. 22
9.6 Hearing procedure. 23
9.7 Service. 23
9.8 Attorneys. 23
9.9 Alternate Disciplinary Procedures 24
SECTION 10. BROKER RESPONSIBILITIES; ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS; TRUST FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS;
LISTING AND OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENTS; CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS.
10.1 Dealing independently of principal broker. 24
10.2 Expiration date for agency agreements or contracts. 24
10.3 [Repealed.] 24
10.4 Broker responsibilities; executive brokers; part-time brokers. 24
10.5 Advertising. 26
10.6 Knowledge of property. 26
10.7 Handling of funds; maintenance of records. 26
10.8 Trust funds; trust accounts. 27
10.9 Disbursement of trust funds. 28
10.10 Agreements to be written. 29
10.11 Self dealing. 29
10.12 Offers and acceptances. 29
10.13 Listing agreements; signs. 30
10.14 Reporting violations. 30
10.15 Broker’s Price Opinion. 30
10.16 Criminal convictions and disciplinary actions. 31
10.17 [Repealed.] 32
10.18 Property management definitions. 32
10.19 Property management agreement. 32
10.20 Tenant agreement. 33
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10.21 Property management accounting and recordkeeping. 33
10.22 Property management owner ledgers. 33
10.23 Property management tenant ledgers. 34
10.24 Property management cash receipts. 35
10.25 Waiver of certain requirements for principal brokers. 35
SECTION 11. CONTINUING EDUCATION.
11.1 Requests for waiver or extension; exemptions for uniformed service members and their
spouses. 36
11.2 Continuing education topics. 36
11.3 Approved courses and instructors. 37
11.4 No duplication of pre-licensing and continuing education credit. 37
11.5 Post-license education requirements 37
SECTION 12. INTEREST ON TRUST ACCOUNTS.
12.1 Interest on trust account program. 38
12.2 Certain interest bearing trust accounts approved. 38
SECTION 13. TIME-SHARE.
13.1 Registration; renewal: fees 38
13.2 Agents; amendment of registration. 39
13.3 Fictitious name. 39
13.4 Purchase contract; cancellation notice; form, time, procedure. 39
13.5 Record maintenance. 40
13.6 Records; developer and agent; type, time. 40
13.7 Advertising materials. 41
13.8 Financial statements. 41
13.9 [Repealed.] 41
13.10 "Reasonable Time" defined. 41
13.11 Limitations. 41
13.12 Reservation; deposit refundable. 41
13.13 General Regulations apply. 42
13.14 [Repealed.] 42
13.15 [Repealed.] 42
SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE; PARTIAL REPEALER.
14.1 Effective date. 42
14.2 Partial repealer. 42
SECTION 15. REAL ESTATE AUCTION DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.
15.1 Definitions. 42
15.2 Nature of auction and written auction agreement. 43
15.3 Auctioneer/Seller bidding or purchasing auctioned real estate. 44
15.4 Auction Advertisements. 44
15.5 Internet auction sale procedure and absentee bids. 44
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15.6 Auctioneer to maintain records. 45
15.7 Certain acts prohibited. 45
15.8 Unlicensed real estate activity. 45
SECTION 16. REAL ESTATE EDUCATION.
16.1 Instructor applications; education; experience. 46
16.2 School applications; association applications. 47
16.3 Course approval requirements. 47
16.4 Renewals. 48
16.5 Monitoring. 49
16.6 Third party sponsors. 49
16.7 Distance education. 49
16.8 Course requirements. 50
16.9 Felony reporting requirements. 50
16.10 Maintenance of records; school or association closings. 51
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SECTION 1. COMMISSION MEETINGS; APPEARANCES; SUBPOENAS.
1.1 Meetings of Commission.
(a) Regular meetings of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission shall generally be held on the Monday
immediately preceding the second Tuesday of each month and will continue in session until its business
is completed insofar as is possible; provided, however, that any regular meeting of the Commission may
be set forward, postponed, canceled or adjourned to another day.
(b) Special meetings of the Commission may be called at any time by a majority of the Commission.
1.2 Place of regular meetings.
All regular meetings of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission shall be held in the Commission's offices
unless otherwise specified.
1.3 Appearance before Commission.
Any person desiring to appear before the Commission at any of its regular meetings to take up any
business within the jurisdiction of the Commission shall, at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting,
file with the director a written request therefore, in which the nature and purpose of the appearance shall
be clearly and concisely stated with sufficient details to fully apprise the Commission of the basis and
extent of such business. Provided, however, that a person may not appear before the Commission in
connection with any matter pending before the Commission for administrative adjudication except upon
notice and opportunity for all parties to participate.
1.4 Director to prepare agenda.
The director shall arrange the order of business of all meetings of the Commission and shall, at least ten
(10) days prior thereto, notify all persons who are to appear before any such meeting the place and
approximate time he or she is to appear before the Commission.
1.5 Director to fix salaries.
The director shall fix the salaries of all employees of the Commission within budgetary limitations.
1.6 Subpoenas.
(a) Requests for subpoenas shall be in writing. The person requesting the subpoena has the burden of
obtaining and serving the subpoena.
(b) Service of subpoenas issued by the Commission shall be as provided by Regulation 45(c) of the
Arkansas Regulations of Civil Procedure as that Regulation now exists or as it may be amended from time
to time.
(c) The fees and mileage of officers serving subpoenas and of witnesses subpoenaed shall be as
provided by Regulation 45(d) of the Arkansas Regulations of Civil Procedure.
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SECTION 2. DIRECTOR DUTIES, AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.
2.1 Director duties, authority and responsibility.
(a) The director is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Commission, and, as such, is
authorized to do all things necessary and convenient to carry into effect the Arkansas Real Estate License
Law and Arkansas Time-Share Law and the Regulations promulgated thereunder, subject to the general
supervision of the Commission.
(b) All duties, authority and powers given the Commission by law, except Regulation making and
adjudicative powers, are hereby delegated to the director, or the director's designee, who shall utilize and
perform such duties, powers and authority under the general supervision of the Commission.
SECTION 3. FEES; BAD CHECKS; REFUNDS.
3.1 Fees.
(a) The following fees are established at the amounts indicated:
(1) Application fee - $50.00
(2) Original broker license fee - $70.00
(3) Annual renewal broker license fee - $80.00
(4) Original salesperson license fee - $50.00
(5) Annual renewal salesperson license fee - $60.00
(6) Broker expired license fee - $110.00
(7) Salesperson expired license fee - $80.00
(8) License reissuance fee - $30.00
(9) Initial duplicate license fee - $30.00
(10) Annual renewal duplicate license fee - $30.00
(11) Transfer fee - $30.00
(12) Appeal filing fee - $100.00
(13) Recovery fund fee - $25.00
(14) Examination fee shall be the actual cost charged by the testing service and shall be paid directly to
the testing service.
(b) The following fees for real estate education are established at the amounts indicated:
(1) Original main school license fee - $500.00
(2) Annual renewal main school license fee - $400.00
(3) Original branch school license fee - $300.00
(4) Annual renewal branch school license fee - $200.00
(5) Original association license fee - $200.00
(6) Annual association license renewal fee - $100.00
(7) Principal instructor license application fee - $250.00
(8) Annual renewal fee for principal instructor - $150.00
(9) Associate instructor license application fee - $200.00
(10) Annual renewal fee for associate instructor - $100.00
(11) License amendment fee - $100.00
(12) License reissuance fee - $50.00
(13) Course approval fee - $100.00
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(14) Annual renewal for course approval fee - $50.00
(15) Late renewal fee for license or course approval - $250.00
(16) Appeal filing fee - $100.00
3.2 Dishonored checks.
(a) Any applicant or licensee who shall submit in payment of any fee a check or bank draft which is not
honored by the bank shall not be eligible to receive a license from the Commission until such time as such
check or bank draft is paid.
(b) The Commission shall charge a fee not to exceed $25.00 for a dishonored check or bank draft and
shall also require such check or bank draft to be made good immediately by the maker. If such person
shall be a real estate salesperson, associate broker, or executive broker, and shall fail to make such check
or bank draft good, the Commission may require payment of such funds from the principal broker with
whom such person is licensed.
3.3 Overpayment of fees.
In the event that an applicant or licensee shall submit to the Commission any funds which are in excess
of the funds required by the Commission pursuant to Commission Regulation or state law, the Commission
shall refund such overpayment according to the following schedule: If the overpayment is at least $0.01,
and not more than $10.00, no refund shall be made; if the overpayment shall exceed $10.00, the
Commission shall first deduct $10.00 for processing the refund check, and shall refund the remainder of
the overpayment.
3.4 Waiver of application fees.
(a) The Commission shall waive the initial application fees for an applicant who:
(1) is receiving assistance through the Arkansas Medicaid Program; the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children; the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program; or the Lifeline Assistance Program;
(2) was approved for unemployment within the last twelve (12) months; or
(3) has an income that does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income
guidelines.
SECTION 4. APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION; EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.
4.1 Applications; education; experience.
Applicants for original licensure as a broker or salesperson must apply on forms provided by the
Commission, pay the application fee established by these Regulations, and meet the following
requirements:
(a) Broker applicants must provide proof of the following:
(1) Attainment of the age of majority, which proof may consist of a birth certificate or copy thereof,
driver's license, or other document or proof of age which is satisfactory to the Commission;
(2) Successful completion within thirty six (36) months immediately preceding the date of the
application of a course or courses of instruction in real estate by actual classroom attendance or
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completion of approved distance education of which at least forty-five (45) hours are in a course
developed by the Commission, for a total of not less than sixty (60) classroom hours. Proof of completion
of such education requirement shall consist of the original certificate(s), or certified copies thereof, from
the school or organization or other documentation satisfactory to the Commission;
(3)(A) Service by the applicant of an active bona fide apprenticeship by holding a valid real estate
salesperson’s license issued by the Commission, or by holding a valid real estate salesperson’s license or
broker’s license issued by the appropriate licensing agency of another state, for a period of not less than
twenty four (24) months within the previous forty eight (48) month period immediately preceding the
date of application, which proof may consist of the official license records of the Commission or certified
copies of licensure records of the appropriate licensing agency of another state, plus such other
documentation as the Commission deems satisfactory to demonstrate that the applicant has gained
experience in the real estate business equal to that which would be gained by a person engaged in the
real estate business on a full time basis during a minimum two year period of time; Listings, sales or other
licensed activities may be considered by the commission in determining whether the applicant meets this
qualification; Consideration shall be given to the broker applicant’s local real estate market and/or
specialized area of real estate practice. Any person whose application for broker license is denied by the
executive director may appeal such denial to the Commission provided the request is in writing and
received in the office of the Commission not later than sixty (60) days following the date of denial by the
executive director.
(B) However, pursuant to Section § 17-42-303 (b)(2) the Commission may waive such experience
requirement for a real estate broker applicant who has held an active real estate broker’s license for a
period of not less than eighteen (18) months or who has experience acceptable to the commission in a
field considered real estate related for a period of not less than twenty-four months within the previous
forty-eight-month period immediately preceding the date of application. Each request for such waiver
shall be in writing and shall include such proof as necessary to establish the applicant’s eligibility for the
waiver. Such proof may consist of the official license records of the Commission, certified copies of license
records of the appropriate licensing agency of another state, or such other documentation as the
Commission deems satisfactory;
(4) The applicant's affidavit that he/she has no record of unprofessional conduct;
(5) Any other information or documents related to professional licenses held by the applicant; formal
disciplinary actions by regulatory agencies; or, pending lawsuits filed or judgments entered against the
applicant for fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation, or conversion of property including money
belonging to another.
(b) Salesperson applicants must provide proof of the following:
(1) Attainment of the age of majority, which proof may consist of a birth certificate or copy thereof,
driver's license, or other document or proof of age which is satisfactory to the Commission;
(2) Successful completion of a course or courses of instruction in real estate by actual classroom
attendance or completion of approved distance education courses of not less than sixty (60) classroom
hours, of which at least thirty (30) hours must be in the basic principles of real estate; which proof shall
consist of the original certificate(s), or certified copies thereof, from the school or other organization or
other documentation satisfactory to the Commission;
(3) The applicant's affidavit that he/she has no record of unprofessional conduct;
(4) Any other information or documents related to professional licenses held by the applicant; formal
disciplinary actions by regulatory agencies; or, pending lawsuits filed or judgments entered against the
applicant for fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation, or conversion of property including money
belonging to another.
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(c) (1) The Commission may require each original applicant for a salesperson or broker license, including
nonresident applicants applying pursuant to Arkansas Code Ann. § 17-42-305, using forms furnished by
and pursuant to instructions provided by the Commission to apply for a state and federal criminal
background check to be conducted by the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State
Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to Arkansas Code Ann. § 17-42-315.
(2) “Criminal background check” means a state and nation-wide criminal records check conducted by
the Arkansas State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the taking of fingerprints.
(3) Each such applicant shall submit, prior to or with the Application for Real Estate Examination, the
form furnished by the Commission authorizing the release of the applicant’s criminal background check
report to the Commission and shall pay any applicable fees, associated with the State and Federal criminal
background checks, pursuant to written instructions provided by the Commission. The release form shall
authorize the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police to forward all criminal history information
obtained concerning the applicant in regard to any offense referred to in Arkansas Code Ann. § 17-42-315
to the Commission.
(4) The criminal background check shall be completed within six months immediately preceding the
date the Application for Real Estate License Examination is received in the Commission’s office, and if not,
the application shall be returned to the applicant.
(5) Upon request and proof of identification satisfactory to the Commission the Commission may make
the report of any criminal information available to the applicant who is the subject of the report and shall
provide the applicant a reasonable time to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information
therein, through the State Identification Bureau pursuant to Arkansas Code Ann. § 12-12-211 and
Arkansas Crime Information Center Regulation 7(F).
(6) Should an applicant challenge his/her conviction report, he/she shall notify the Commission in
writing. After receipt of such notice, the Commission shall not determine whether an applicant is qualified
for the license applied for until the applicant has had reasonable opportunity to challenge said conviction
report and shall not process the application until the challenge of said report is resolved by the State
Identification Bureau and/or Arkansas Crime Information Center. The applicant shall notify the
Identification Bureau to forward to the Commission changes in the applicant’s report as a result of any
such challenge.
(7) Except as provided in Arkansas Code Ann. § 17-42-315 (g), no person shall receive or hold a license
issued by the Commission if the person has been convicted by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any
similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court of an offense
identified in Ark. Code Ann. § 17-42-315 (f).
(8) After a hearing the Commission may waive a conviction identified in the preceding paragraph, upon
application of the applicant, pursuant to the provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 17-42-315 (g).
(d) (1) Broker applicants who have previously held an Arkansas real estate license shall not be
required to:
(A) complete any pre-license education previously completed by the broker applicant, or
(B) demonstrate fulfillment of the requirements of Regulation 4.1(a)(3)(A).
(2) Broker applicants who have previously held an Arkansas real estate license shall be required to:
(A) pay the application fee established by these Regulations;
(B) comply with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section;
(C) provide an affidavit that he/she has no record of unprofessional conduct and is not holding a
suspended or probationary professional license in any state; and
(D) provide any other information or documents related to professional licenses held by the
applicant; formal disciplinary actions by regulatory agencies; or, pending lawsuits filed or judgments
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entered against the applicant for fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation, or conversion of property
including money belonging to another.
(3) The Executive Director may waive the requirement to complete the broker licensure exam and may
consider the following when granting a waiver under this subsection:
(A) the length of time an Arkansas real estate broker license was held; and
(B) the length of time since the applicant held an Arkansas real estate broker license.
(4) Salesperson applicants who have previously held an Arkansas real estate salesperson license shall
not be required to complete any pre-license education.
(5) Salesperson applicants who have previously held an Arkansas real estate license shall be required
to:
(A) pay the application fee established by these Regulations;
(B) comply with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section;
(C) provide an affidavit that he/she has no record of unprofessional conduct and is not holding a
suspended or probationary professional license in any state; and
(D) provide any other information or documents related to professional licenses held by
the applicant; formal disciplinary actions by regulatory agencies; or, pending lawsuits filed or judgments
entered against the applicant for fraud, deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation, or conversion of property
including money belonging to another.
(6) The Executive Director may waive the requirement to complete all or part of the salesperson
licensure exam and may consider the following when granting a waiver under this subsection:
(A) the length of time an Arkansas real estate salesperson license was held; and
(B) the length of time since the applicant held an Arkansas real estate salesperson license.
(7) Broker and salesperson applicants who have previously held an Arkansas real estate license and
have been exempted from the exam pursuant to the above must submit proof of satisfactorily
completing nine (9) classroom hours or equivalent continuing education units of approved continuing
education for each year during which his or her license was expired, not to exceed thirty (30) classroom
hours.
(8) Except as provided in this subsection, broker and salesperson applicants who have previously held
an Arkansas real estate license must comply with all other requirements of Regulation 4.1.
(e) All classroom hours required by Regulation 4.1(a) and (b) shall be conducted by:
(1) An accredited postsecondary school wherever situated; or
(2) A school or organization licensed by the Commission.
(3) A school or organization approved by a real estate licensing jurisdiction deemed equivalent by the
Commission.
(f) The course or courses of instruction requirements of Regulation 4.1 may be satisfied by successful
completion of such distance education courses as the Commission may by Regulation require, giving due
consideration to the number of hours necessary to provide instruction in basic competencies required for
a salesperson's or a broker’s license.
(g) Both broker and salesperson applicants shall also answer all questions and provide all information
requested on the examination application, and shall provide such other information or documentation as
the Commission may require.
(h) Applicants that have provided all requirements of Regulation 4.1, may sit for the real estate
examination, provided that a state and federal criminal background check, as required by ACA § 17-42-
315, has been sent to the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police for a state and
federal criminal background check. However, no license shall be issued upon successful completion of the
examination, until receipt and approval by the Commission of the state and federal criminal back ground
check.
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(i) All applications expire one (1) year after the date of the application or upon successful completion
of the examination, whichever first occurs. Provided, however that the application of an applicant who
takes and passes either part of the examination within one (1) year from the date of his application shall
not expire until the six (6) months allowed for retaking the failed portion pursuant to Regulation 4.2(c)
has expired.
(j) Application fees are non-refundable.
4.2 Examinations; passing scores; reexaminations.
Applicants for original licensure as a broker or salesperson must pass a written examination to
demonstrate competency to act as a real estate licensee in such a way as to safeguard the interests of the
public. The examination shall consist of a general part and an Arkansas law part.
(a) For broker applicants a minimum score of seventy (70) on the general part and seventy-five (75) on
the Arkansas law part are required. A person who is licensed as a broker may not apply and may not take
the examination. A person who has passed the Arkansas real estate broker's examination but who is not
licensed as a broker may apply. However, in addition to meeting other requirements, such a person must
furnish an affidavit stating the reason for applying. Such a person may take the examination only with
written permission from the director or the director's designee.
(b) For salesperson applicants a minimum score of seventy (70) on the general part and seventy (70) on
the Arkansas law part are required. A person who is licensed as a salesperson or as a broker may not apply
and may not take the examination. A person who has passed the Arkansas real estate salesperson's
examination but who is not licensed as a salesperson may apply. However, in addition to meeting other
requirements, such a person must furnish an affidavit stating the reason for applying. Such a person may
take the examination only with written permission from the director or the director's designee.
(c) An applicant who takes the examination in Arkansas and passes either the Arkansas law part or the
general part but fails the other need not again take the part passed if within six (6) months of such initial
examination the applicant retakes and passes the part failed. Otherwise, the applicant must retake the
entire examination, and must also make new application if more than one (1) year has elapsed since the
date of the original application.
(d) (1) An applicant who meets all three (3) of the following requirements will be required to take only
the Arkansas law part of the examination:
(i) Has passed a uniform, general, or multi-state part of an examination for a real estate license in
another state in which the examination is determined by the Commission to meet generally acceptable
standards of real estate testing, and
(ii) The other state requires a minimum passing grade no lower than that required for the general part
of the Arkansas examination, and
(iii) The applicant at the time of taking the Arkansas examination is licensed in the other state.
(2) If an applicant meets the first two (2) requirements above, but not the third, the applicant will be
required to take only the Arkansas law part of the examination provided that the applicant passed the
uniform, general, or multi-state part of the examination in the other state within six (6) months prior to
the month in which the applicant takes and passes the Arkansas law part.
(3) An applicant seeking licensure under this Regulation 4.2(d) must furnish such documentation of
entitlement thereto as the Commission may require.
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4.3 Examinations; application procedure; time requirements.
(a) The Commission shall announce from time to time the dates and locations of examinations. All
applications should be received in the Commission office at least ten (10) days before the examination for
which the applicant desires to sit. However, regardless of the date on which the application is received
by the Commission, it shall be processed as expeditiously as possible under the circumstances. Once the
application is processed, the Commission will send to the applicant a "Certificate of Examination
Eligibility." The certificate will include instructions for making examination reservations and will be
required for admission at the test center.
(b) An examination fee which shall equal the actual cost of the examination as established by the testing
service engaged by the Commission will be collected at the test center. The examination fee shall be made
payable to the testing service unless the applicant is otherwise notified by the Commission. The
examination fee shall be charged each time an applicant applies to take an examination and is non-
refundable.
(c) An applicant shall receive notice upon passing the examination. Each successful broker and
salesperson applicant shall pay to the Commission, within ninety (90) days from the date of the successful
completion of the examination, the appropriate license fee and recovery fund fee. However, the payment
of the recovery fund fee shall be waived for any successful applicant who has previously paid such fee. If
a successful applicant shall fail to pay the prescribed fee(s) within ninety (90) days following the date of
the examination, the examination results shall be null and void, and the applicant shall be required to
make new application and retake the examination, as an original applicant. If the Federal criminal
background check has not been received by the commission within ninety (90) days of the date of the
examination, the date may be extended by the commission until receipt of the Federal criminal
background check.
4.4 [Repealed.]
4.5 Automatic licensure for unformed service members, veterans and their spouses.
As used in this subsection, “uniformed service veteran” means a former member of the United States
Uniformed Forces discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable and “automatic licensure
means the granting of occupational licensure without an individual’s having met occupational licensure
requirements provided under this title or by the rules of the occupational licensing entity.
(a) The Commission shall grant automatic licensure for a broker or salesperson to an individual who is
the holder in good standing of a license with a similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory,
or district of the U.S. and is:
(1) A uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas;
(2) A uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas; or
(3) The spouse of:
a. A person under (a)(1) or (2) above;
b. A uniformed service member who is assigned a tour of duty that excludes the uniformed
service member’s spouse from accompanying the uniformed service member and the spouse
relocates to this state: or
c. A uniformed service member who is killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the
line of duty if the spouse establishes residency in the state.
(b) The Commission shall grant such automatic licensure upon receipt of all the below:
(1) Payment of the initial licensure fee;
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(2) Evidence that the individual holds a license with a similar scope of practice in another state; and
(3) Evidence that the applicant is a qualified applicant under section (a).
4.6 Pre-Licensure Criminal Background Check and Waiver Request
(a)(1) Pursuant to Act 990 of 2019, an individual may petition for a pre-licensure determination of whether
the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from licensure and whether a waiver may be
obtained.
(2) The individual must obtain the pre-licensure criminal background check petition form from the
Commission.
(3) The Commission will respond with a decision in writing to a completed petition within thirty (30)
days of receipt.
(4) The Commission’s response will state the reason(s) for the decision.
(5) All decisions of the Commission in response to the petition will be determined by the information
provided by the individual.
(6) Any decision made by the Commission in response to a pre-licensure criminal background check
petition is not subject to appeal.
(7) The Commission will retain a copy of the petition and response and it will be reviewed during the
formal application process.
(b)(1) If an individual has been convicted of an offense listed in A.C.A. §17-3-102(a) or (e), the Commission
may waive disqualification of a potential applicant or revocation of a license based on the conviction if a
request for a waiver is made by:
(i) An affected applicant for a license; or
(ii) An individual holding a license subject to revocation.
(2) The Commission may grant a waiver upon consideration of the following, without limitation:
(i) The age at which the offense was committed;
(ii) The circumstances surrounding the offense;
(iii) The length of time since the offense was committed;
(iv) Subsequent work history since the offense was committed;
(v) Employment references since the offense was committed;
(vi) Character references since the offense was committed;
(viii) Other evidence demonstrating that licensure of the applicant does not pose a threat to the
health or safety of the public.
(c) A request for a waiver, if made by an applicant for original licensure as a broker or salesperson, must
be in writing and accompany the completed application and fees.
(d) The Commission will respond with a decision in writing and will state the reasons for the decision.
(e) An appeal of a determination under this section will be subject to the Administrative Procedures Act
§25-15-201 et seq.
4.7 Work Permits Accepted
The Commission shall grant a license to an applicant who fulfills the Arkansas requirements for licensure
and is a person who holds a Federal Form I-766 Unites States Citizenship and Immigration Services-issued
Employment Authorization Document, known popularly as a “work permit”.
(04-2024)
Page 15
SECTION 5. NONRESIDENT LICENSURE.
5.1 Application.
Upon receipt of an application for nonresident licensure under Section 11(a)(1)(B) of Act 690 of 1993
[A.C.A. §17-42-305(a)(1)(B)], the director shall determine whether the applicant's resident jurisdiction
offers Arkansas licensees opportunities for licensure substantially comparable to those offered to that
jurisdiction's licensees by Arkansas.
5.2 List of approved jurisdictions.
The director may maintain and publish from time to time a list of jurisdictions which have been
previously determined to offer Arkansas licensees opportunities for licensure substantially comparable to
those offered to that jurisdiction's licensees by Arkansas. If an applicant's jurisdiction is not on the list the
director may, upon request, investigate and determine whether it should be.
5.3 [Repealed.]
5.4 Written agreements with other jurisdictions.
The director is authorized to enter into written agreements with licensing authorities of other
jurisdictions to assure opportunities for nonresident licensure in those jurisdictions for Arkansas licensees.
SECTION 6. RENEWAL; INACTIVE STATUS; EXPIRED LICENSES.
6.1 Renewal applications.
(a) Notwithstanding provisions of Section 6.1(d), unless renewed as active or inactive, every real estate
broker or salesperson license shall expire on December 31 of each calendar year.
(b) Notice to renew licenses will be sent by mail or electronically about July 15 of each year to the
firm at which the licensee is licensed or such other address as the Commission has on file for the licensee.
Renewal applications accompanied by the required fee must be filed with the Commission no later than
September 30. In order to be considered filed with the Commission by the deadline; the renewal
applications must bear a U.S. Postal Service postmark of September 30 or be received in the Commission's
office on or before September 30. If September 30 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the
Commission shall accept as meeting the filing deadline those renewal applications that bear a U.S. Postal
Service postmark of the first business day thereafter, and those applications received in the Commission
office on the first day the office is open to the public following such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. A
renewal application filed after the deadline shall be treated as an application to renew an expired license.
(c) To hold an active license a broker or salesperson shall complete annually seven (7) classroom
hours of continuing education approved by the Commission or equivalent continuing education units or
equivalent distance education of approved continuing education. One (1) classroom hour, which shall
satisfy only one (1) of the seven classroom hours, must focus on how real estate professionals can limit
risk to preserve personal safety for agents and consumers.
(d) The expiration date of a license for a deployed uniformed service member or spouse will be
extended for one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member’s
return from deployment.
(04-2024)
Page 16
6.2 Inactive status renewal.
(a) Any licensee who does not wish to engage in the real estate business at the time of renewal may
apply to renew as inactive.
(b) Any person who holds a license on inactive status shall notify the Commission in writing within seven
(7) days of any change of name or address.
(c) During inactive status a licensee shall not practice as a real estate broker or salesperson in this state
without first activating the license.
(d) An inactive license may be activated upon submitting proof of satisfactorily completing seven (7)
classroom hours or equivalent continuing education units or equivalent distance education of approved
continuing education for each year renewed as inactive, not to exceed thirty (30) classroom hours, and
such other information as the Commission may require, including payment of the required fee. One (1)
classroom hour, which shall satisfy only one (1) of the total classroom hours required for activation, must
focus on how real estate professionals can limit risk to preserve personal safety for agents and consumers.
Completion of the continuing education requirement will only satisfy the requirement for the license year
in which activated and not for the following year.
(e) All continuing education hours required to activate a license must have been completed in the year
in which the license is activated or the preceding calendar year.
(f)(1) The Commission may provide continuing education for licensees under the following
circumstances:
(A) If the Executive Director determines that courses are not readily available by classroom delivery
for a specific topic which has been identified by the Commission as acceptable for continuing education;
or,
(B) If the Executive Director determines that continuing education courses are not readily available
by classroom delivery to licensees in a specific geographic area of Arkansas.
(2) When providing continuing education pursuant to this section, the Commission is authorized to
incur and pay the reasonable and necessary expenses in connection therewith; and to make reasonable
charges for materials provided by the Commission and for services performed in connection with
providing the materials. The continuing education courses offered by the Commission shall be open to all
licensees unless the content is deemed broker specific, in which case the courses will be open to all
brokers.
6.3 Expired licenses.
(a) If an application for the renewal of a license, either active or inactive, and/or the required renewal
fee is not received prior to the renewal deadline, such license is deemed to have expired at the end of the
renewal period.
(b) A person whose license has expired shall not practice as a real estate broker or salesperson in this
state.
(c) Upon reapplication within one (1) year of the last calendar year in which the license was renewed,
payment of the required fees, and submission of such additional information as the Commission may
require, the license may be reinstated and placed on either active or inactive status for the current license
year. However, no license will be issued as active until proof of satisfactory completion of the continuing
education requirement as required by Regulation 6.2 is submitted.
(d) Upon successful reapplication the prior year identified as expired will be considered as if inactive for
purposes of continuing education requirements.
(04-2024)
Page 17
(e) A former licensee who fails to apply for renewal of an expired license within the prescribed time
period shall be regarded as an original applicant.
(f) For purposes of providing notice to and communication with any licensee who permits or has
permitted his license to expire and who is the subject of a pending complaint, investigation or hearing
pursuant to A. C. A. § 17-42-312, said licensee shall during any such pending complaint, investigation or
hearing notify the Commission in writing within seven (7) days of any change of name or address.
SECTION 7. FIRM NAME; OFFICES; SIGNS; TRANSFERS; CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
7.1 Firm name approval.
The Commission shall issue no principal broker's license where the proposed name of the firm is
confusingly similar to the name of another firm, is misleading, or would in any way be confusing to the
public. It shall be the duty of the principal broker to inquire of the Commission concerning the
acceptability of the proposed firm name.
7.2 Temporary license.
No person shall act as a licensee in Arkansas until such person has received from the Commission a
current valid license and pocket card stating the name of the firm with which the licensee is affiliated.
However, a temporary interim license may be issued pending issuance of the permanent license and
pocket card, which temporary interim license shall be valid for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.
7.3 Place of business; sign.
(a) A principal broker shall maintain a place of business and shall display at such place of business a
permanently attached sign bearing the name under which the principal broker conducts his/her business,
and the words "real estate," "realty," "REALTOR®," "REALTIST" or other words approved by the
Commission which clearly indicate to the public the principal broker is engaged in the real estate business.
Photographs of the sign and of the front or other part of the building where the sign is displayed shall be
furnished to the Commission. A principal broker must display his/her broker's license and the licenses of
any executive broker, associate broker or salesperson at the place of business.
(b) The Commission shall accept no sign as meeting this requirement until and unless such sign is
permanently attached and clearly visible to the public and displayed in such a manner as to clearly indicate
to the public that the principal broker is engaged in the real estate business.
(c) If a principal broker shall establish an office within an office building, the principal broker shall
furnish (1) a photograph of the office building directory showing the real estate firm's name, and also (2)
a photograph of the firm's office entrance bearing the name of the firm, unless either is nonexistent, in
which case the other shall be furnished.
(d) If a principal broker shall move or change any sign of which a photograph has been filed with the
Commission, the principal broker shall notify the Commission office immediately in writing of the new
location or change and furnish a photograph of the new sign. If the principal broker's business location
shall also change, the broker shall comply with Section 15 of Act 690 of 1993 [A.C.A. §17-42-309 and §17-
42-310] and applicable Regulations.
(e) The principal broker shall furnish both the street address or physical location and the mailing
address for the business.
(04-2024)
Page 18
7.4 Branch office.
(a) All branch offices shall have and display a real estate sign and a duplicate principal broker’s license.
Principal Brokers who wish to open a branch office shall furnish the Commission a photograph of the
branch office sign as previously approved by the Commission bearing the name of the company. If
licensees are to be licensed at that branch office, an executive broker shall be designated by the principal
broker, to be in charge of the branch office. Such executive broker shall be responsible for any licensee
licensed with such branch office pursuant to a written designation of responsibility filed by the principal
broker with the Commission on a form provided by the Commission consistent with Regulation 10.4(a)(1),
and shall not be gainfully employed or engaged in any non-real estate related field pursuant to Regulation
10.4(e).
(b) If such branch office, maintains its own trust account or separate escrow agent the principal broker
shall be responsible and accountable for any and all trust funds received by the branch office and any and
all deposits to or disbursements from the trust account.
(c) A principal broker of a licensee that is licensed at the principal broker’s place of business or any
branch office thereof may authorize that licensee to be issued a duplicate license at the principal broker’s
place of business or at any branch office where the principal broker holds a duplicate license. Provided,
however, a duplicate license shall not be issued at a branch office unless an executive broker has been
designated to be in charge of the branch office.
(Amended 1/1/2010)
7.5 Termination or transfer.
(a) Within seven (7) days after the employment or association of a licensee with a principal broker ends,
such principal broker shall notify the Commission of such termination and return to the Commission the
license and pocket card of the terminated licensee. Such notification shall automatically inactivate the
license. Immediately upon termination, the terminated licensee shall deliver to the principal broker
his/her pocket card.
(b) The license of a licensee terminated under Regulation 7.5(a) may be transferred to another firm,
after the license and pocket card have been returned to the Commission, by the licensee's filing with the
Commission a transfer application signed by the new principal broker. Such transfer application must be
accompanied by (1) a statement that the licensee is not taking any listings, management contracts,
appraisals, lease agreements, or copies of any such documents, or any other pertinent information
belonging to the former principal broker or firm, and (2) a transfer fee. At the time the transfer application
and the accompanying items are filed, a temporary interim license may be issued.
(c) If an actively licensed broker or salesperson does not wish to continue to engage in the real estate
business, such broker or salesperson shall return any license and pocket card in his/her possession to
his/her principal broker who shall then return these items to the Commission for inactive status. A broker
who closes his/her firm shall remove all signs reflecting the company name and shall return all licenses
and pocket cards issued to the principal broker to the Commission office for inactive status. If a real estate
firm shall close its office, any real estate salesperson licensed with such principal broker shall be entitled
to transfer to a new principal broker upon compliance with the appropriate provisions of the Arkansas
Real Estate License Law and Commission Regulations.
(d) If the principal broker is deceased, unavailable, or for any reason unwilling or unable to act, then
the licensee has the responsibility to notify the Commission in writing of the termination or transfer and
of returning the pocket card and license.
(04-2024)
Page 19
(e) A principal broker of a real estate firm or designated executive broker of a branch office, who has
no ownership interest in the firm, who is terminated by the firm’s owner or designee, shall notify the
Commission in writing immediately upon termination. The written notification must include a statement
that the principal broker or branch office designated executive broker has been terminated by the owner
of the firm or designee, and that the terminated principal broker or executive broker is relinquishing
his/her responsibilities as principal broker or branch office designated broker effective the termination
date. The respective broker license and pocket card must be returned with the written notification.
If the real estate firm or branch office is not closing, and another principal broker or branch office
designated broker is not immediately available to assume responsibilities of the real estate firm or branch
office, the owner of the real estate firm may request in writing that the Commission permit the real estate
firm to continue operating pursuant to Regulation 7.7.
If the owner of the real estate firm closes the firm and ceases to do business and maintain an office,
the principal broker shall notify the commission in writing of said closing, return all licenses and pocket
cards to the commission and comply with Regulation 10.7(c).
A principal broker or branch office designated executive broker who has been terminated by the real
estate firm owner or designee of a real estate firm that is not closing, and who does not notify the
commission in writing, relinquish responsibilities as principal broker or designated branch office executive
broker, and return his/her broker license and pocket card to the commission, shall be presumed to be in
violation of A.C.A § 17-42-311 and subject to appropriate sanctions.
7.6 Change of address; lost license or pocket card.
(a) Upon any change of name, address or place of business, or upon the loss or misplacement of a
license or pocket card, the licensee shall promptly notify the Commission of such change or loss on a form
prescribed by the Commission. Upon receipt of such notice and other information as may be necessary to
issue a new license, the Commission shall issue a new license for the unexpired period of the license upon
the payment of the license reissuance fee.
(b) All licensees, both active and inactive, shall at all times keep the Commission informed in writing of
their personal residence address, physical business address and mailing address.
7.7 Death of principal broker; closing of business.
Upon the death, resignation, termination or incapacity of a principal broker or the closing of a real estate
firm, the Commission may in its discretion, based upon the merits and circumstances of each case, permit
the real estate firm to continue operating for a period of time under the direction of a person approved
by the Commission and subject to time limitations and other conditions imposed by the Commission.
Unless otherwise determined by the Executive Director, the time of such approval is to be effective at the
time of death, resignation, termination or incapacity of the principal broker.
(04-2024)
Page 20
SECTION 8. AGENCY DISCLOSURE.
8.1 Seller or lessor agents.
(a) (1) In any real estate transaction in which a licensee is acting solely as agent for a seller or lessor,
the licensee shall disclose to a potential buyer or lessee, or to the buyer's or lessee's licensed agent, the
licensee's agency relationship with the seller or lessor. Such disclosure shall be made in a timely manner
under the particular circumstances so as to avoid to the extent possible eliciting or receiving from the
prospective buyer or lessee information which would reasonably be expected to remain confidential and
not disclosed to the seller or lessor, such as, for example, information concerning the real estate needs or
motivations, negotiating strategies or tactics, or the financial situation of the potential buyer or lessee.
(2) When the disclosure is made to the licensed agent of the buyer or lessee, it is that licensee's duty to
convey the disclosure to the buyer or lessee in a timely manner.
(b) In all cases, disclosure shall be in writing, but may initially be made orally and reduced to writing at
a convenient time subject to the requirements of Regulation 8.1(c). Evidence of the disclosure shall be
maintained by the licensee.
(c) In all cases, however, such disclosure must be made before the buyer or lessee signs any document
related to the transaction, such as an offer or lease or rental agreement.
8.2 Buyer or lessee agents.
(a) (1) In any real estate transaction in which a licensee is acting solely as agent for a buyer or lessee,
the licensee shall disclose to a potential seller or lessor or to the seller's or lessor's licensed agent, the
licensee's agency relationship with the buyer or lessee. Such disclosure shall be made at the first contact
with the seller, lessor, or the agent of the seller or lessor.
(2) When the disclosure is made to the licensed agent of the seller or lessor, it is that licensee's duty
to convey the disclosure to the seller or lessor in a timely manner.
(b) In all cases, disclosure shall be in writing, but may initially be made orally and reduced to writing at
a convenient time subject to the requirements of Regulation 8.2(c). Evidence of the disclosure shall be
maintained by the licensee.
(c) In all cases, however, such disclosure must be made before the seller or lessor signs any document
related to the transaction, such as an offer or lease or rental agreement.
8.3 Dual agency.
(a) A licensee who represents both the seller and buyer in a real estate sale transaction, or both the
lessor and tenant in a real estate lease or rental transaction shall make disclosure in the time and manner
required by Regulations 8.1 and 8.2 and all parties to the transaction must have given their written
consent to such dual representation prior to or at the time of execution of the agency contract, listing
contract, property management contract, lease, rental agreement, offer and acceptance contract or other
real estate contract.
(b) Notwithstanding Regulation 8.3(a), a licensee shall not accept a commission, rebate, profit,
payment, compensation or other valuable consideration in connection with a real estate transaction or
real estate activity from any person or entity except the licensed principal broker under whom the licensee
is licensed.
(04-2024)
Page 21
8.4 Failure to disclose agency relationship.
A licensee who fails to disclose the licensee's agency relationship in the time and manner required by
these Regulations shall be subject to sanctions under Section 17 of Act 690 of 1993 [A.C.A. §17-42-312].
8.5 Fidelity and honest dealing.
(a) In accepting employment as an agent, a licensee pledges to protect and promote the interests of
the client or clients. This obligation of absolute fidelity to the interest of the client or clients is primary,
but does not relieve a licensee from the equally binding obligation of dealing honestly with all parties to
the transaction.
(b) A licensee shall not offer or advertise property without authority and in any offering or
advertisement the price quoted must not be other than that agreed upon with the owners as the offering
price.
(c) When acting as agent in the sale or management of property, a licensee shall not accept any
commission, rebate, profit, payment, compensation or other valuable consideration from any source in
connection with the property without full written disclosure to the party represented by the licensee.
(d) A licensee shall not accept compensation from more than one party without full written disclosure
to all parties to the transaction.
SECTION 9. COMPLAINTS; INVESTIGATIONS; HEARINGS.
9.1 Complaints.
Complaints against licensees or persons allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity must be in
writing, signed by the complainant under oath, dated and filed with the director.
9.2 Answers.
(a) If the director determines that a complaint establishes a prima facie case of a violation of the
Arkansas Real Estate License Law or Commission Regulations, the director shall send a copy of such
complaint to the licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity complained against
along with instructions concerning the filing of an answer. The director may also send a copy of the
complaint to the principal broker of the licensee complained against.
(b) Within twenty (20) days after service of the complaint on the licensee or person allegedly engaged
in unlicensed real estate activity, such licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate
activity shall file a written answer with the director. The answer shall be dated and shall be signed by the
licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity under oath. The time for answering
may be extended at the discretion of the director or the director's designee.
9.3 Investigation.
The director may conduct such investigation as is deemed warranted either before or after the answer is
received, and in conducting such investigation, may take statements from any person thought to have any
knowledge of the facts or allegations pertaining to the complaint and may also obtain and review any
documents which may relate to the complaint. The director may utilize the subpoena powers of the
Commission in connection with the investigation.
(04-2024)
Page 22
9.4 Disposition of complaints; appeals from dismissal.
(a) A complaint which, together with the answer, if any, and the results of any investigation conducted
by the director, establishes a prima facie violation of the Arkansas Real Estate License Law or Commission
Regulations shall be presented to and reasonably disposed of by the Commission. Likewise, any
investigation initiated and conducted by the director without a formal complaint which results in a
determination by the director that there exists a prima facie violation of the Arkansas Real Estate License
Law or Commission Regulations shall also be presented to and reasonably disposed of by the Commission.
(b) (1) Any person whose complaint is dismissed by the director without a hearing may appeal such
dismissal to the Commission in the following manner:
(i) The request for appeal must be in writing and received in the offices of the Commission not later than
sixty (60) days following the date of dismissal by the director; and
(ii) The request for appeal must be accompanied by the appeal filing fee; and
(iii) The Commission staff shall determine the cost of preparing the record for the Commission's review,
which cost shall be paid by the appellant within thirty (30) days after notification of the amount; otherwise
the appeal will be dismissed.
(2) Upon submission of the appeal, the Commission shall review the written record and either
uphold or overrule the director's decision. The parties may submit written arguments but no new
evidence. Any newly discovered evidence must first be presented to the director. If the decision is
overruled, the Commission may either order a hearing or request further investigation or documentation
of the complaint. If the Commission review results in a hearing being ordered on the complaint, both the
filing fee and the cost of preparing the record shall be refunded to the appellant.
(3) Provided, however, that a person may not appear before the Commission in connection with
any matter pending before the Commission for administrative adjudication except upon notice and
opportunity for all parties to participate.
9.5 Hearings.
(a) Hearings shall be scheduled for a day certain by the director who shall, at least thirty (30) days prior
to such hearing date, send notice to all persons entitled to notice thereof of the place and approximate
time of said hearing, a statement of the allegations and charges forming the basis for the hearing, and the
provisions of the law or Regulations thought to be involved therein. The Commission shall serve notice of
said hearing by mailing same addressed to the licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real
estate activity at his or her address last known to the Commission or may, in its discretion, serve the
licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity by personal delivery of said notice.
(b) Prior to the hearing, the respondent licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate
activity involved in the hearing may, by written petition, signed and dated, invoke the aid of the
Commission in the procurement of any witness or document the licensee or person allegedly engaged in
unlicensed real estate activity may desire to be present at such hearing, provided however, that such
petition must be filed with the director at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date.
(c) All motions concerning or related to the hearing must be in writing and filed at the Commission office
no later than ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing date, along with a certificate of the person filing
the motion that copies of the motion have been served on the attorney of the other parties who are
represented by attorneys, or on the parties themselves if they are not represented by attorneys. Motion
for continuance shall be decided by the director. All other motions shall be decided by the Commission or
by the hearing officer by delegation of such responsibility by the Commission. Upon delegation and
authorization from the Commission, the hearing officer may also conduct pre-hearing conferences.
(04-2024)
Page 23
9.6 Hearing procedure.
(a) At the hearing, the Commissioners shall hear and decide the ultimate issues of both fact and law.
(b) The Commission's hearing officer shall preside over the hearing and regulate procedural aspects of
the hearing, including ruling on admissibility of evidence and objections. The hearing officer shall advise
the Commission on questions of law.
(c) All persons appearing before the Commission and giving testimony shall first be placed under oath.
All testimony given shall be recorded and shall be a part of the record in the case.
(d) At any hearing the respondent licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity
and complainant may be present in the hearing room during the entire hearing and the respondent
licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity shall have the right to cross-examine
any witness and to examine any document or evidence submitted.
(e) The hearing shall begin with presentation of the case against the respondent licensee or person
allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity. Such presentation is ordinarily conducted by the
Commission staff counsel. However, upon request, and at the discretion of the Commission, counsel for
the complainant may be permitted to participate. At the conclusion of such presentation, the respondent
licensee or person allegedly engaged in unlicensed real estate activity may present evidence in defense of
the charges, following which rebuttal testimony and evidence may be offered. Closing arguments may be
called for or dispensed with at the discretion of the Commission.
(f) The Commission may receive into evidence such affidavits, depositions, certified copies of
documents, photocopies of official records and other exhibits as it deems appropriate, whether or not
such documents are admissible under formal Regulations of evidence, together with such other evidence
as may be admissible by law. The Commission shall give to such evidence such weight as the Commission
shall determine appropriate under the circumstances.
(g) After presentation of all evidence the Commission shall deliberate on the issues and either announce
its decision or take the matter under advisement for later decision.
(h) Upon reaching a decision, the Commission shall enter its findings of fact and conclusions of law and
an appropriate order shall be prepared and served on the parties.
(i) Once the decision is made, any motion for reconsideration must be filed within fifteen (15) days from
the date the decision is first announced, whether orally or in writing, but the filing and pendency of such
motion will not delay the appeal time deadlines of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.
9.7 Service.
Service of any notice, order or other document or instrument upon any person shall be complete upon
mailing to such person, postage prepaid, in a sealed envelope via the United States Postal Service.
9.8 Attorneys.
An attorney who has entered an appearance in any cause before the Commission shall not withdraw
except by leave of the Commission after notice served upon the attorney's client, counsel for the other
parties and counsel for the Commission staff.
(04-2024)
Page 24
9.9 Alternate Disciplinary Procedures
(a) (1) The Executive Director may issue a citation imposing a penalty of $100 to a licensee who:
(A) fails to complete annual continuing education requirements by December 31, including the
requirement to submit proof of satisfactory completion thereof to the Commission; or
(B) fails to complete the post-license education requirement, including submittal of proof of satisfactory
completion thereof to the Commission within the time frame required.
(2) It is the licensee’s responsibility to establish his or her successful completion of an educational
requirement through courses acceptable to the Commission.
(b) The Executive Director may issue a citation imposing a penalty of $250 each to:
(1) A licensee who performs activities requiring an active real estate license while his or her license is
expired; and
(2) The supervising broker(s) of a licensee who performs activities requiring an active real estate license
while his or her license is expired.
(c) Licensees issued a citation may contest the citation under § 17-42-312(d).
SECTION 10. BROKER RESPONSIBILITIES; ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS; TRUST FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS;
LISTING AND OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENTS; CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS.
10.1 Dealing independently of principal broker.
(a) If a principal broker or executive broker learns a salesperson, associate broker or executive broker
licensed under such principal broker or executive broker has, without permission of the principal broker
or executive broker, engaged in real estate activities independently or through some other broker, it is
the duty of the principal broker or executive broker to immediately notify the Commission in writing and
forward such licensee's license to the Commission.
(b) Any salesperson, associate broker or executive broker who engages in real estate activities
independently or through some other broker without permission from the principal broker or executive
broker shall be presumed to be in violation of A.C.A. § 17-42-311 and subject to appropriate sanctions.
10.2 Expiration date for agency agreements or contracts.
A licensee shall put a specific determinable duration or a specific expiration date on all written agency
agreements or contracts or any extensions thereof. (Examples: Listing and Buyer Representation
Agreements or Contracts)
10.3 [Repealed.]
10.4 Broker responsibilities; executive brokers; part-time brokers.
(a) (1) A principal broker is generally responsible for all business conducted by the broker’s firm and
for all of the real estate activities of all of those licensed under or associated with the principal broker,
unless the licensee conducted real estate business independently and without permission or authority
from the principal broker. If the principal broker learns that a licensee is conducting business
independently, that principal broker must comply with Commission Regulation 10.1(a). (Amended
1/1/2010)
(04-2024)
Page 25
(2) A principal broker may delegate supervisory responsibility to another broker by designating such
broker as an “executive broker.” The executive broker may sign offer and acceptance forms as supervising
broker and can be responsible for instructing and supervising salespersons and/or brokers for whom the
executive broker is responsible. The executive broker may also be delegated responsibility by the principal
broker for administrative procedures required by the Commission, such as signing transfer applications.
For each executive broker so designated, the principal broker must complete and file with the Commission
an appropriate designation form signed by both the principal broker and the designated executive broker.
The designation of an executive broker is effective when filed with the Commission.
(3) Designation of one or more executive brokers does not absolve the principal broker of general
responsibility for the conduct of all real estate business conducted by the principal broker's firm, and the
principal broker is specifically responsible for the activities of all executive brokers.
(b) Principal brokers and executive brokers have the duty and responsibility to instruct those brokers
and salespersons licensed under them with regard to the fundamentals of real estate practice and the
ethics of the profession, and to keep them informed and abreast of all changes and developments
pertaining to the Arkansas Real Estate License Law and Commission Regulations. They shall also exercise
strict supervision of the real estate activities of all those licensed under them and for whom they have
supervisory responsibility.
(c) Whether or not a principal broker or executive broker has discharged these responsibilities for those
licensed under him/her will depend on various factors and circumstances, including, without limitation,
the following:
(1) Frequency and manner of contact and communication;
(2) Type and frequency of educational and instructional activities;
(3) Method and frequency of monitoring real estate activities.
(d) (1) The preparation of instruments in connection with a real estate rental or sale and the closing of
a sale by a licensee must be performed by or under the specific supervision of the principal broker.
(2) If the principal broker or designated executive broker or their assigned licensee, closes a
transaction or selects a third party to close the transaction, it is the responsibility of the principal broker
or designated executive broker to ensure that the real estate closing conducted on behalf of the principal
broker’s or designated executive broker’s client(s) is conducted in accordance with the agreement of the
buyer and seller. If the buyer and/or seller selects a third party to close the transaction the principal broker
or designated executive broker, or their assigned licensee, must provide written closing instructions, on
behalf of their client(s), to the third party closing the transaction, and review the client’s closing
statement, if reasonably available, to insure that the closing is conducted in accordance with the
agreement of their client. It is strongly recommended that the principal broker, designated executive
broker, or assigned licensee advise the client to contact the closing agent or title insurer about the
availability of closing protection.
(e) No broker who is gainfully employed, or who is engaged in a non-real estate related field, may
employ any licensee to work under the broker's license issued to such broker. A broker who is employed
or who is engaged in any field other than real estate will be presumed to be gainfully employed or engaged
in a non-real estate related field. This presumption may be overcome by proof that such employment or
engagement is (1) in a real estate related field, and (2) conducted in the same office as the broker's real
estate business.
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10.5 Advertising.
(a) A licensee may not advertise any property, including the licensee's own property, for sale or rent,
or display a real estate sign without including in that advertisement or sign the name of the firm with
whom that licensee is licensed.
(b) A principal broker and any persons licensed with said principal broker shall not advertise or
otherwise conduct real estate brokerage business under any name other than the name in which the
principal broker's license has been issued.
(c) In public advertising a principal broker shall be especially careful to present a true picture and should
not permit licensees to use individual names or telephone numbers, unless the licensee's connection with
the broker is obvious in the advertisement.
10.6 Knowledge of property.
A licensee shall exert reasonable efforts to ascertain those facts which are material to the value or
desirability of every property for which the licensee accepts the agency, so that in offering the property
the licensee will be informed about its condition and thus able to avoid intentional or negligent
misrepresentation to the public concerning such property.
10.7 Handling of funds; maintenance of records.
(a) (1) A licensee shall immediately deliver to the principal broker any money or other consideration
received in connection with a real estate transaction which belongs to others, such as escrow or trust
funds, clients' moneys, earnest moneys, rents, advance fees, deposits, etc.
(2) A broker shall deposit all advance fees in the broker's trust account and shall disburse such funds
only in accordance with the terms of a written agreement signed by the owner of the funds. If such written
agreement is not received within a reasonable time after payment of the advance fee, the fee shall be
refunded to the owner.
(3) "Advance fee" means any fee charged for services to be paid in advance of the rendering of such
services, including, without limitation, any fee charged for listing, advertising, or offering for sale or lease
any real property.
(b) (1) Each principal broker shall maintain complete records of all real estate business handled by that
firm. Separate files for each real estate transaction conducted by the firm shall be maintained and shall
contain signed copies of any of the following documents which were prepared in connection with the
transaction: (i) listing contract, (ii) agency contract, (iii) offers, (iv) offer and acceptance contracts and (v)
closing statements, along with any additional documents as may be necessary to make a complete record
of each transaction.
(2) Each principal broker shall maintain complete records pertaining to property managed for
others. Such records shall include all contracts, financial transactions, receipts, statements, repair
estimates and other documents relating to management of the property.
(3) All records required by Regulation 10.7 shall be maintained by the principal broker for three (3)
years or such time as may be required by law, whichever is greater, and shall be open to inspection by
and made available to the investigative staff of the Commission at the firm's office or other location
designated by the Commission. All records required by Regulation 10.7 may be maintained in an electronic
form provided that a copy of the records can be produced as required by this Regulation.
(c) When a real estate firm ceases to do business and to maintain an office, the last principal broker
remaining with the firm shall be responsible for all records of the firm, including the firm's real estate trust
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account and transaction records, and at the time the real estate firm's office is closed, the principal broker
shall immediately notify the Commission of the address and phone number of the place where those
records are being maintained. If for any reason that broker delivers custody or responsibility for those
records to another person or firm, he/she shall immediately notify the Commission of such transfer and
furnish the name, address and phone number of such person or firm.
10.8 Trust funds; trust accounts.
(a) "Trust funds" means and includes money or other things of value not belonging to the principal
broker but which are received by the principal broker or any of the principal broker's licensees in
connection with a real estate transaction or real estate activity, including, without limitation, clients'
moneys, earnest moneys, rents, advance fees, deposits, etc. For purposes of the Arkansas Real Estate
License Law and Commission Regulations, any funds deposited in a broker's trust account are presumed
to be trust funds.
(b) Except as provided in Regulation 10.8(d), a principal broker shall not commingle trust funds with
personal funds or other non-trust funds and shall not deposit or maintain trust funds in a personal account
or any kind of business account except a specifically designated trust account.
(c) A principal broker who receives trust funds shall either maintain a separate trust account or shall
have an escrow agent for all such trust funds. The principal broker of the firm shall be solely responsible
and accountable for all trust funds received by the firm and all deposits to or disbursements from the trust
account. The principal broker shall also be responsible and accountable for any funds delivered to an
escrow agent selected by the principal broker, but shall not be responsible for funds delivered to an
escrow agent selected by the parties. Except as authorized by Regulations 10.8(i) and 12.2, the trust
account shall be non-interest bearing. The name on the account shall include either "trust" or "escrow"
and must be located in an institution insured by either the FDIC or some other insuring agency of the
federal government.
(d) A principal broker may maintain the broker's own funds in a designated trust account only when
they are clearly identified as the broker's deposit and only for the following purposes:
(1) If the bank in which the account is maintained designates a specific minimum balance that must
be maintained in order to keep the account open, the broker may maintain that amount in the account
designated as the broker's funds.
(2) If the bank in which the account is maintained requires a service charge to be paid for the
account, the broker may maintain a reasonable amount to cover that service charge in the account in the
broker's name, provided, however, that such amount shall not exceed the total of six (6) months service
charges.
(e) With regard to each separate trust account, the principal broker shall submit to the Commission in
writing the following:
(1) Name and number of the account.
(2) Name and address of the bank.
(3) Date the account was opened.
The principal broker shall keep the Commission informed at all times of the foregoing details of each
separate trust account.
(f) In addition to the requirements of Regulation 10.8(e), the principal broker shall submit the same
information in writing immediately upon any of the following events or occurrences:
(1) Commission approval of real estate firm name.
(2) Change of real estate firm name.
(3) Designation of new principal broker.
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(4) The account is changed in any respect or closed.
(g) (1) No later than three (3) days following the execution of a real estate contract by both seller and
buyer, all trust funds delivered to the principal broker, shall be either deposited in the trust account,
delivered to an escrow agent, or deposited pursuant to a written agreement by the seller and buyer All
other funds delivered to the broker pending performance of any act shall be, no later than three (3) days,
either deposited in the trust account, delivered to an escrow agent, or deposited pursuant to a written
agreement by the seller and buyer. Should the third (3
rd
) day be a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then
the third (3
rd
) day is extended to the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The broker
shall maintain an accounting of all funds delivered to the broker and shall keep a signed receipt for any
funds the broker delivers to an escrow agent. The broker remains responsible for the funds if the broker
selected the escrow agent, but not if the parties selected the escrow agent. A broker shall at all times keep
detailed records of all funds coming into the broker's possession and all disbursements made by the broker.
(2) All trust account bank statements shall be reconciled in writing at least monthly and balanced
to the total amount of trust funds deposited in the account which have not been disbursed. Copies of
such reconciliations shall be kept by the broker for at least three (3) years or for such time as may be
required by law, whichever is greater.
(3) All trust fund records, including bank reconciliations, shall be open to inspection by and made
available to the investigative staff of the Commission at the firm's office or other location designated by
the Commission.
(h) (1) All security deposits made under a rental or lease agreement shall be deposited in the principal
broker's trust account, including those deposits made on property owned by any licensee licensed under
the principal broker unless the licensee who owns the property has a written agreement with the tenant
providing that the licensee may keep the security deposit in the licensee's separate account. A copy of
any such agreement shall be furnished to the principal broker by the licensee.
(2) Provided, however, that a principal broker shall not be responsible for the failure of those
licensed under such principal broker to comply with Regulation 10.8(h)(1) as long as the principal broker
is in compliance with Regulation 10.4.
(i) Nothing in this Regulation 10.8 shall be deemed to prohibit a broker from maintaining certain funds
or deposits in particular transactions in an interest-bearing account when required to do so by law or valid
Regulation of any governmental agency, nor shall it prohibit a broker from maintaining an interest-bearing
account while participating in the Interest on Real Estate Brokers' Trust Account program authorized by
Section 24 of Act 690 of 1993 [A.C.A. §17-42-601 et seq.] and Regulations 12.1 and 12.2.
10.9 Disbursement of trust funds.
(a) A principal broker shall not disburse trust funds from the broker's designated trust account contrary
to the terms of a contract for the sale or rental of real estate, or other contract pursuant to which the
funds were received, and a principal broker shall not fail to disburse trust funds according to the terms of
such contract.
(b) Except as otherwise authorized by Regulation 10.8(d), the balance of a principal broker's trust
account shall at all times equal the total of the trust funds received for which the broker is accountable.
(c) A principal broker who disburses trust funds from a designated trust account under the following
circumstances shall be deemed by the Commission to have fulfilled properly the broker's duty to account
for and remit money which the broker is required to maintain and deposit in a designated trust account:
(1) upon the rejection of an offer to buy, sell, rent, lease, exchange, or option real estate;
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(2) upon the withdrawal of an offer not yet accepted to buy, sell, rent, lease, exchange, or option
real estate;
(3) at the closing of the transaction;
(4) upon securing a written agreement which is signed by all parties having an interest in the trust
funds and is separate from the contract which directs the broker to hold the funds;
(5) upon the filing of an interpleader action in a court of competent jurisdiction;
(6) upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(7) upon a reasonable interpretation of the contract which directed the broker to deposit the funds.
(d) When a broker makes a disbursement to which all parties to the contract have not expressly agreed
in writing, the broker must immediately notify all parties in writing of the disbursement.
10.10 Agreements to be written.
(a) Except as provided in Regulation 10.10(b), a licensee, for the protection of the public and of all
parties with whom the licensee deals, shall see that the exact agreement of the parties regarding real
estate is in writing. A licensee shall also see that clients and other parties to the transaction with whom
the licensee deals receive copies of such agreements signed by all parties. (Examples: Exclusive agency
agreements or contracts, real estate contracts, closing statements, lease agreements, management
agreements, financial obligations and commitments, etc.) It is strongly recommended that a licensee
obtain written acknowledgment from the buyer and or seller that the buyer and or seller have received
said signed copies.
(b) It is strongly recommended that non-exclusive agency agreements or contracts be in writing.
(c) In compliance with the Arkansas Supreme Court decision in the case of Pope County Bar Association,
Inc. vs. Suggs, 624 S.W. 2d 828 (1981), real estate forms used by licensees in the regular course of business
shall be approved by a licensed Arkansas attorney prior to use. The licensee shall be responsible for
providing evidence of such approval by a licensed Arkansas attorney upon request of the Commission.
10.11 Self dealing.
Licensees shall not buy, sell, rent or lease property for themselves or for a corporation, partnership or
association in which they have an interest without first making full disclosure to the buyer or seller, as the
case may be, of the exact facts that they are licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson and are buying,
renting or leasing the property for their own account or have an interest in the property which they are
selling, renting or leasing. All such disclosures must be made in writing before the sales, rental or lease
contract is entered into.
10.12 Offers and acceptances.
(a) All offers received on a specific property shall promptly be presented to the seller by the listing firm
or other licensee designated by an authorized representative of the listing firm.
(b) Every offer received must be signed by the licensee who receives it and by that licensee's supervising
broker. Every acceptance must be signed by the listing licensee and that licensee’s supervising broker . (It
is desirable for the supervising brokers of the selling licensee and listing licensee to review and sign each
real estate contract before it is submitted to the seller, although that is not always possible. However,
such supervising brokers shall review and sign the real estate contract as soon as possible after it is
received, and, in all cases, prior to closing.)
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10.13 Listing agreements; signs.
(a) If a firm holds an exclusive listing contract on a parcel of property, the selling licensee shall not
contact the seller about showing the property or negotiating the sale without prior permission from the
listing firm or other licensee designated by an authorized representative of the listing firm. Any offers
received by the selling licensee shall be presented to the firm holding the exclusive listing contract not
later than the close of the next business day after receipt of the offer. Likewise, all earnest moneys and
deposits shall be forwarded to the listing firm for deposit in the listing firm's trust account. The listing firm
or other licensee designated by an authorized representative of the listing firm shall then present the offer
to the seller. The selling licensee may accompany the listing licensee with the latter's permission, but shall
not contact the seller without prior permission from an authorized representative of the listing firm.
(b) A licensee shall not knowingly enter into an agency agreement or contract when there is reason to
believe that there is an existing exclusive agency agreement or contract in force without first
communicating with the other principal broker who holds such agreement or contract to confirm its
existence. If there is an existing exclusive agency agreement or contract in force, the licensee shall not
enter into another agency agreement or contract without first notifying the client in writing to consult
with an attorney regarding the risk of being liable for two (2) separate commissions. (Examples: Exclusive
Listing and Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreements or Contracts, Property Management Agreements)
(c) Signs offering or advertising a property may be on the property only during the existence of a listing
agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the owner.
10.14 Reporting violations.
It is the duty of each licensee to report in writing to the Commission any information coming to the
licensee's knowledge which is or may be (1) a violation of the Arkansas Real Estate License Law; or (2) a
violation of the Commission Regulations.
10.15 Broker’s Price Opinion.
(a) A “broker’s price opinion” means an estimate prepared by a licensee that details the probable
selling price of real estate and provides a varying level of detail about the real estate’s condition, market,
and neighborhood, and information about sales of comparable real estate. A “market analysis” is similar
to a broker price opinion but is usually limited to comparison to other real property currently or recently
in the market place; whereas, the preparer of a broker price opinion may utilize other basis for the report.
In the preparation or issuance of a broker price opinion or market analysis, usage of the terms “market
value”, “appraised value” or “appraisal”, shall be presumed to be in violation of Ark. Code Ann. § 17-42-
110(d) and subject to appropriate sanctions. It is highly recommended that a licensee avoid other general
references to “value of the property when preparing or issuing a broker price opinion or market analysis.
A report in which a broker price opinion is prepared or issued by a real estate licensee must include within
the body of the written report or in a separate cover letter the following:
(1) A brief description of the subject property.
(2) The basis used to determine the broker’s price opinion to include any applicable market data
and with regard to commercial properties, the computation of capitalization, including the capitalization
rate;
(3) Any assumptions or limiting conditions used to determine the broker price opinion (Examples:
repairs, items to be removed from property, zoning change, new or different access other than what is
currently available, special financing, hazardous waste, nuisance removal, etc.)
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(4) A disclosure of any existing or contemplated interest of every licensee who prepares or
provides the broker price opinion, including, without limitation, the possibility of a licensee representing
the seller or lessor, or the buyer or lessee;
(5) The names and signatures of the licensee who prepared or issued the broker price opinion and
of the principal broker or designated executive broker with whom the licensee is associated;
(6) The name of the real estate firm with whom the licensee who prepared or issued the broker
price opinion is licensed; and
(7) The date of issuance of the broker price opinion;
(8) In at least 14-point bold type, the following disclaimer:
Notwithstanding any preprinted language to the contrary, this opinion is not an appraisal of the
market value of the property. If an appraisal is desired, the services of a licensed or certified appraiser
must be obtained. Pursuant to Ark. Code. Ann. § 17-42-110(d), a broker price opinion or market analysis
issued by a real estate licensee shall not contain the terms “market value”, “appraised value”, or
“appraisal”.
Any reference in the report to a specific marketing time period is for illustrative purposes only and
does not obligate the licensee or broker to sell the property within the stated timeframe or act as a
representation or guarantee that the property will be sold within such timeframe.
Unless otherwise indicated, the broker price opinion assumes without investigation a fee simple
title ownership interest without any reservation of minerals, subsurface rights, or otherwise.
This broker price opinion report is to be used solely for purposes allowed by state and federal law.
If the report is to be used for any purpose not specifically allowed by state and federal law, legal counsel
should be consulted.
(b) A licensee shall furnish to the Principal Broker or Designated Executive Broker with whom the
licensee is associated, copies of all broker price opinion reports, including the cover letter described
above, which shall be maintained on file in accordance with the record keeping requirements of this
chapter.
(c) A licensee may produce or transmit a written broker price opinion electronically to any person
entitled to receive it. A broker price opinion that is submitted electronically is subject to any Regulations
relating to recordkeeping as adopted pursuant to this chapter, including inclusion of the cover letter
required in 1 above.
(d) A principal broker or designated executive broker is responsible for the preparation and issuance
of a broker price opinion by any licensee who is associated with the broker unless the broker price opinion
was prepared or issued independently and without permission or authority from the broker. If the
principal broker or designated executive broker learns that a licensee has prepared or issued a broker
price opinion independently, that broker must comply with Commission Regulation 10.1(a) by
immediately notifying the Commission in writing and forwarding such licensee’s license to the
Commission.
10.16 Criminal convictions and disciplinary actions.
(a) A licensee who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any crime other than a traffic
violation shall make written report thereof to the Commission within thirty (30) days after the conviction
or plea. The report shall include the date of the offense and of the conviction or plea, the name and
address of the court, the specific crime for which convicted, or to which the plea is entered, the fine,
penalty and/or other sanctions imposed, and copies of the charging document and judgment of conviction
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or other disposition, including probation or suspension of sentence. The report shall also include the
licensee's explanation of the circumstances which led to the charge and conviction or plea, along with any
other information which the licensee wishes to submit.
(b) A licensee who after the initiation of an investigation, hearing or other administrative action
surrenders or who has a professional, vocational or occupational license, permit, certification or
registration denied, revoked, suspended or canceled or who is subjected to any sanctions, including
probation, involving such license, permit, certification or registration or who is the subject of sanctions
for practicing a profession without a license shall make written report thereof to the Commission within
thirty (30) days after such action. The report shall include the date of the action, the name and address of
the regulatory agency which has taken the action and copies of documents pertaining thereto. The report
shall also include the licensee's explanation of the circumstances which led to the action, along with any
additional information the licensee wishes to submit.
(c) An applicant for a real estate license who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere
to any crime other than a traffic violation or who after the initiation of an investigation, hearing or other
administrative action has surrendered or has had a professional, vocational or occupational license,
permit, certification or registration denied, revoked, suspended or canceled or who has been subjected
to any sanctions, including probation, involving such a license, permit, certification or registration shall
furnish the written report referred to in Regulation 10.16 (a) and/or (b) to the Commission at the time the
application is submitted if such action has already occurred, otherwise such report shall be made
immediately after the action occurs.
10.17 [Repealed.]
10.18 Property management definitions.
(a) “Audit trail” means a documented history of a financial transaction by which the transaction can be
traced to its source.
(b) “Occupant” means a person who rents a property on a nightly basis.
(c) Tenant” means a person who rents a property on other than a nightly basis.
(d) "Property Manager" means a licensed principal broker or designated executive broker who
performs property management activities pursuant to A. C. A. § 17-42-103(9)
(e) This section does not apply to any residential property management program operated or regulated
by a federal or state act or agency which includes specific record keeping requirements that the
commission determines are substantially equivalent to or greater than that required by this section.
10.19 Property management agreement.
(a) A principal broker or designated executive broker must not engage in the management of residential
rental real estate without a written, current property management agreement between the owner and
the property manager. A property management agreement must include the following:
(1) Name, address and other contact information for property owner;
(2) The address or legal description of the property to be managed;
(3) The duties and responsibilities of the property manager and owner;
(4) The authority and power given by the owner to the property manager;
(5) The management fees, application fees, screening fees, rebates, discounts, overrides and any
other form of compensation to be received by the property manager for management of rental real estate
including when such compensation is earned and when it will be paid;
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(6) A description of the monthly statements of accounting the property manager will provide to the
owner;
(7) The duration of the agreement, rollover provisions, renewal clauses or automatic extensions, if
any;
(8) The method by which the property management agreement can be terminated and any other
terms and conditions of the agreement;
(9) Signatures of the property manager or executive broker and property owner; and
(10) The date of the agreement.
(b) The property manager must promptly deliver a legible copy of the fully executed property
management agreement, and any addenda or amendments, to the owner.
10.20 Tenant agreement.
(a) A property manager shall not lease property he manages without a written agreement with the
tenant.
(b) Each lease or rental agreement for residential real estate managed by the property manager must
contain the following:
(1) The name and business address of the property manager and his firm;
(2) The name, address and other contact information of the tenant;
(3) The mailing address or unit number of property being rented or leased;
(4) Payment conditions and amounts pertinent to the rental or lease, and the rental or lease term;
(5) The amount of and the reason for all funds paid by the tenant to the property manager at the
outset of the agreement including funds for rent, security deposits, and any other fees;
(6) The location where or entity by whom security deposits will be held;
(7) Method by which tenant will be notified in the event of termination of property manager's
property management agreement to include handling of tenant’s security deposit; and
(8) Signatures of the current property manager or current executive broker and tenant.
(c) A tenant’s refusal to sign the lease agreement shall not constitute noncompliance by the property
manager with the terms stated herein.
(d) A property manager may not expend any tenant security deposits for payment of any expenses or
fees not otherwise allowed by the tenant’s rental or lease agreement.
10.21 Property management accounting and recordkeeping.
(a) A property manager must retain records of all deposits in a manner in which they are traceable to
the owners’ and tenants’ ledgers. A property manager must retain records identifying the amount of and
purpose of each disbursement entered into the owner’s and tenants’ ledgers.
(b) The property manager shall disclose to the owner, in writing, the property manager's use of any
employees or a business in which the property manager or any persons licensed under him has a pecuniary
interest to provide billable services to the owner’s property.
10.22 Property management owner ledgers.
(a) A property manager must prepare and maintain at least one separate owner’s ledger for each
property management agreement, for all monies received and disbursed.
(b) If a property is utilized for nightly rentals, a separate ledger account must be maintained for that
property. Each occupant of the property must be identified, including the dates of occupancy and amounts
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paid.
(c) If a property manager has access to a separate banking or escrow account owned or controlled by
the property owner pursuant to a property management agreement, the property manager may maintain
either a record of receipts and disbursements or check register in lieu of an owner’s ledger.
(d) All owner ledgers must contain the property manager’s name, identification of property being
managed, and the following information for each deposit of funds:
(1) The amount of funds received;
(2) The purpose of the funds and identity of the person who tendered the funds;
(3) The check number, cash receipt number or a unique series of letters and/or numbers that
establish an audit trail to the receipt of funds;
(4) The date the funds were deposited; and
(5) The balance of each recorded entry.
(e) For each disbursement of funds, all owner ledgers must contain the following information:
(1) The date the funds were disbursed;
(2) The amount of funds disbursed;
(3) The check number or bank-generated electronic tracking number;
(4) The payee of the disbursement;
(5) The purpose of the disbursement; and
(6) The balance after each recorded entry.
(f) If more than one property is managed for a property owner, each entry for deposit or disbursement
must identify the applicable property rather than just the owner. If a property management agreement
with an owner allows the property manager to use funds collected for one property to apply to expenses
of another property owned by the same owner, an overall compilation/accounting shall be prepared for
the owner.
(g) At a minimum, once each month, a report showing all receipts and disbursements for the account
of the owner must be provided to the owner. A copy or electronic version of each such report must be
available through the property manager's records system.
10.23 Property management tenant ledgers.
(a) A property manager must prepare and maintain at least one tenant’s ledger for each unit from whom
the property manager has received any funds under a property management agreement, whether or not
the tenant has executed a written rental or lease agreement at the time of payment of funds to the
property manager.
(b) All tenant ledgers must contain the tenant’s name and the legal description or physical address of
the property sufficient to distinguish that property from other rental units, or a unique series of letters or
numbers that establishes an audit trail.
(c) For each deposit of funds, all tenant ledgers must contain the following information:
(1) The amount of funds received;
(2) The purpose of the funds and identity of the person who tendered the funds;
(3) The check number, cash receipt number or a unique series of letters or number that establishes
an audit trail to the receipt of funds;
(4) The date the funds were received; and
(5) The balance after each recorded entry.
(d) For each disbursement of funds, all tenant ledgers must contain the following information:
(1) The date the funds were disbursed;
(2) The amount of funds disbursed;
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(3) The check number or bank-generated electronic tracking number;
(4) The payee of the disbursement;
(5) The purpose of the disbursement; and
(6) The balance after each recorded entry.
(e) In lieu of an individual tenant ledger a property manager may prepare and maintain a separate
record of the receipt of funds from prospective tenants who do not become tenants after such payment.
10.24 Property management cash receipts.
(a) If a property manager chooses to accept cash, he or his designee must prepare a legible written
receipt for any cash funds received under a property management agreement or from a prospective
tenant. A copy of the receipt must be maintained in the property manager's records. Cash receipts must
be consecutively pre-numbered, be printed in at least duplicate form and must contain:
(1) The date of receipt of cash funds;
(2) The amount of the funds;
(3) The reason for payment or collection of the funds received;
(4) The identity of the property for which the cash funds were received;
(5) The tenant’s name;
(6) The payer of the funds if different than the tenant;
(7) The payee of the funds; and
(8) The name and signature of the individual who actually received the cash and prepared the
receipt.
10.25 Waiver of certain requirements for principal brokers.
(a)
Upon written request from a principal broker operating under the exemption contained in Arkansas
Code § 17-42-104(a)(11), the executive director may waive certain requirements for principal brokers set
forth in Title 17, Chapter 42 of the Arkansas Code and the Commission Rules related to the following:
(1)
Firm name approvals;
(2)
Place of business and signage;
(3)
Branch offices;
(4)
Handling of funds and maintenance of records; and
(5)
Trust funds, trust accounts, and disbursement of trust funds.
(b)
The Principal Broker's request should clearly state their justification for requesting the waiver and
include a written explanation of the business processes of the Arkansas-licensed residential construction
company employing the principal broker pursuant to Arkansas Code§ 17-42-104(a)(11)(A)(iv) as those
business processes relate to the waiver being requested. The Commission may request additional
documentation or information from a principal broker requesting a waiver under this subsection.
(c)
The executive director will determine, based upon the information provided, which requirements will
be waived by the commission and will communicate the same in writing to the principal broker within thirty
(30) days of receipt. The executive director may authorize issuance of a temporary interim license to a
principal broker at the time the waiver request and accompanying items are submitted to the commission.
(d)(1) A principal broker whose request for a waiver under this rule is denied, in whole or in part, may
request the commission's review of the executive director's determination, provided that any such request
for reconsideration is made in writing and received by the commission within thirty (30) days of receipt of
the executive director's written notice of determination.
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(2) The determination made by the commission in response to a request for review under this rule is not
subject to appeal.
(e) A waiver provided under this rule shall not relieve the principal broker of:
(1)
The requirement to make open to inspection by the commission all records as required under this
chapter; or
(2)
The obligation to fulfill all other requirements under Arkansas Real Estate License Law and
Commission Rules.
SECTION 11. CONTINUING EDUCATION.
11.1 Requests for waiver or extension; exemptions for uniformed service members and their spouses.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of 11.1(b), each request for a waiver of the continuing education
requirement under A.C.A. § 17-42-307(c) or extension of time to complete post license education
requirement, shall be in writing and shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. The Commission
shall acknowledge each such request and shall announce its decision in writing. If the waiver or extension
is granted, the Commission may impose such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
(a) A full exemption from continuing education or post-license requirements will be allowed for a
deployed uniformed service member or spouse until one hundred and eighty (180) days following the
date of the uniformed service member’s return from deployment.
11.2 Continuing education topics.
(a) (1) Annually, the Commission shall identify subject matter topics that will be acceptable for
continuing education courses for the upcoming license year.
(2) For the annual continuing education requirement the Commission may:
(A) Identify a specific topic of not more than three (3) classroom hours to be included in the annual
continuing education requirement; or,
(B) Develop and require a specific curriculum for continuing education courses for licensed brokers
or their designees for the annual continuing education.
(b) (1) The Commission may provide continuing education for licensees under the following
circumstances:
(A) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the Commissioners, determines that courses are
not readily available by classroom delivery for a specific topic which has been identified by the Commission
as acceptable for continuing education; or,
(B) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the Commissioners, determines that continuing
education courses are not readily available by classroom delivery to licensees in a specific geographic area
of Arkansas.
(2) When providing continuing education pursuant to this section, the Commission is authorized to
incur and pay the reasonable and necessary expenses in connection therewith; and to make reasonable
charges for materials provided by the Commission and for services performed in connection with
providing the materials. The continuing education courses offered by the Commission shall be open to all
licensees unless the content is deemed broker specific, in which case the courses will be open to all
brokers.
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(c) (1) The Commission may provide continuing education for licensees under the following
circumstances:
(C) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the Commissioners, determines that courses are
not readily available by classroom delivery for a specific topic which has been identified by the Commission
as acceptable for continuing education; or,
(D) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the Commissioners, determines that continuing
education courses are not readily available by classroom delivery to licensees in a specific geographic area
of Arkansas.
(3) When providing continuing education pursuant to this section, the Commission is authorized to
incur and pay the reasonable and necessary expenses in connection therewith; and to make reasonable
charges for materials provided by the Commission and for services performed in connection with
providing the materials. The continuing education courses offered by the Commission shall be open to all
licensees unless the content is deemed broker specific, in which case the courses will be open to all
brokers.
11.3 Approved courses and instructors.
Only those courses and instructors which are approved by the Commission or which are exempted from
such approval by Section A.C.A. §17-42-503 shall be accepted by the Commission for continuing education
credit.
11.4 No duplication of pre-licensing and continuing education credit.
No educational courses or hours submitted as credit toward the pre-licensing education requirement
shall be used as credit for the continuing education requirements, and no educational courses or hours
submitted for credit toward the continuing education requirements shall be used or counted to satisfy
the pre-licensure educational requirements.
11.5 Post-license education requirements
(a) Each salesperson and broker will complete a post-license education course as provided herein.
(b) Salespersons shall complete an eighteen (18) classroom hour salesperson course.
(c) Brokers shall complete the thirty (30) classroom hour broker course developed by the Commission.
(d) All post-license education courses shall be conducted by either the Arkansas Real Estate
Commission, a school or organization licensed by the Commission, or post-secondary school accredited
by a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education wherever
situated. All post-license education hours may be offered by classroom instruction or approved distance
education.
(e) The Arkansas Real Estate Commission will establish the course content for the post-license
education courses for new salespersons and brokers.
(f) The broker or salesperson shall deliver to the Commission the original certificate of completion of
the post-license education course, or a copy thereof, from an approved provider, or other documentation
satisfactory to the Commission. Said documentation must be received by the Commission no later than
the end of the month six (6) months following the date of the broker’s or salesperson’s initial license. If
documentation of an individual’s post-license education is not received by the Commission within said
time period, the license will be placed on inactive status until the broker or salesperson files satisfactory
documentation of his completion of said post-license education course.
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(g) A broker who is initially licensed in that capacity cannot become an executive broker or principal
broker until such broker has completed and filed satisfactory documentation of his completion of the
post-license broker education course. However, the Commission may temporarily waive this requirement
for a real estate broker who has submitted proof of enrollment in an upcoming course acceptable to the
Commission.
SECTION 12. INTEREST ON TRUST ACCOUNTS.
12.1 Interest on trust account program.
The Interest on Real Estate Brokers' Trust Account Program authorized by Section 24 of Act 690 of 1993
[A.C.A. §17-42-601 et seq.] is hereby established and Arkansas Real Estate Foundation, Inc. is designated
as the recipient of funds generated by such program.
12.2 Certain interest bearing trust accounts approved.
Notwithstanding any other Commission Regulation to the contrary, a principal broker is authorized to
maintain interest bearing trust accounts when required to do so by law or valid Regulation of any
governmental agency, or while participating in the Interest on Real Estate Brokers' Trust Account Program.
SECTION 13. TIME-SHARE.
13.1 Registration; renewal: fees
(a) Each application for registration of a time-share plan or of an agent thereof shall be made on a form
furnished by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission and shall be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee
and evidence that a bond in the amount shown below has been placed with a surety company, corporate
bond acceptable to the Commission or a cash bond with the Commission.
(b) Each registration shall be renewed annually and shall be filed no later than June 1 beginning with
the upcoming renewal period beginning July 1. Such renewal shall be made on a form prescribed by the
Commission and accompanied by the appropriate fee.
(c) The following fees are established at the amounts indicated:
(1) Time-share plan registration fee - $750.00
(2) Time-share plan annual renewal fee - $350.00
(3) Abbreviated registration application fee - $500.00
(4) Abbreviated registration renewal and recertification fee - $300
(5) Acquisition agent registration and renewal fee - $150.00
(6) Principal broker registration and renewal fee - $75.00
(7) Managing agent registration and renewal fee - $75.00
(8) Exchange agent registration and renewal fee - $75.00
(9) Material change fee - $150.00
(10) Time-share interest transfer service provider registration and renewal fee - $150.00
(d) The following bond amounts are established at the amounts indicated:
(1) Developer’s consolidated bond - $50,000
(2) Acquisition agent bond - $10,000
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(3) Principal broker bond - $10,000
(4) Managing agent bond - $10,000
(5) Time-share interest transfer service provider bond - $25,000
13.2 Agents; amendment of registration.
(a) Each developer shall file with the Commission the name, street address, mailing address, and
telephone number of each acquisition agent, managing agent, sales agent and exchange agent and the
responsible managing employee for each of said agents associated with each time-share plan. Should any
of the information contained in this list change, then the developer shall notify the Commission of such
change within two (2) weeks of such change.
(b) A developer shall amend or supplement its registration to report any material change in the
information required by Ark. Code Ann. § 18-14-204. Such amendment or supplementation shall be made
within forty-five (45) days of the occurrence of the material change. "Material change" means any change
which alters the meaning or effect of an instrument or information, or any change which affects the rights
or liabilities of any time-share owner or any potential time-share purchaser.
13.3 Fictitious name.
Each developer, acquisition agent, managing agent, sales agent and exchange agent shall register with the
Commission each fictitious name, if any, under which that person conducts business. No person shall
conduct business which is regulated by the provisions of the Arkansas Time-Share Law under any names
other than those registered with the Commission.
13.4 Purchase contract; cancellation notice; form, time, procedure.
(a) A purchaser may cancel any contract for the purchase of a time-share interest from a developer
within five (5) days after execution of the contract. The purchaser's right to cancel a contract for purchase
shall not be waived.
(b) The public offering statement shall be written in clear, plain and concise language. There shall be
attached to the front of the public offering statement a notice in duplicate containing the following
language in at least 10 point boldface type:
"IMPORTANT NOTICE
I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I SIGN A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF A TIME-SHARE INTEREST I HAVE
THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER SIGNING THE CONTRACT. I
UNDERSTAND THAT CANCELLATION IS WITHOUT PENALTY AND ALL PAYMENTS MADE BY ME BEFORE
CANCELLATION SHOULD BE REFUNDED WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF
CANCELLATION. IF THE FIFTH DAY AFTER THE SIGNING OF THIS CONTRACT IS A SATURDAY, SUNDAY,
OR LEGAL HOLIDAY MY RIGHT TO CANCEL IS EXTENDED TO THE NEXT DAY WHICH IS NOT A SATURDAY,
SUNDAY, OR LEGAL HOLIDAY.
I REALIZE THAT TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT I MUST MAIL OR DELIVER A WRITTEN NOTICE OF
CANCELLATION TO (NAME OF DEVELOPER) AT (DEVELOPER'S ADDRESS).
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION NEITHER RECOMMENDS NOR
APPROVES THIS OR ANY OTHER TIMESHARE PLAN.
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I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE ATTACHED PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT.
(Purchaser's Signature)
DATE:
The original executed notice shall be retained by the developer and the duplicate copy shall be given to
the purchaser. This notice shall contain no other printing or writing thereon.
(c) There shall be included in each contract for the purchase of a time-share interest immediately above
the signature line a notice containing the following language in print size larger than the other
provisions of the contract (excluding descriptive headings and titles) but no less than 10 point boldface
type:
"NOTICE TO PURCHASER
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER YOU SIGN THE
CONTRACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE "IMPORTANT NOTICE" ATTACHED TO THE PUBLIC
OFFERING STATEMENT."
(d) Should the fifth day after the execution of the contract for purchase of a time-share interest be a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, then the five (5) day cancellation period shall not expire until the end
of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. "Legal holiday" means any day designated
as a holiday by the President or the Congress of the United States or designated by the laws of this state.
Notice of cancellation shall be properly addressed with sufficient postage prepaid to assure delivery and
notice shall be deemed given when postmarked by the United States Postal Service.
13.5 Record maintenance.
Each developer shall assure that any records required to be maintained pursuant to the Arkansas Time-
Share Law or Regulations promulgated thereunder shall be maintained and made available to the
Arkansas Real Estate Commission upon request.
13.6 Records; developer and agent; type, time.
(a) Each developer shall maintain complete records of each sale of any time-share interests in the time-
share plan. The records shall be maintained for three (3) years and shall contain complete and detailed
records of all escrow accounts required by statute or otherwise maintained; complete records of each sale
of any time-share interests, including copies of sales contracts, closing statements, credit disclosure
information, executed copies of "Important Notice;" and any other information necessary to make a
complete record of each transaction effected by the developer. These records shall be open to inspection
by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
(b) Each principal broker functioning pursuant to the Real Estate License Law shall maintain complete
records of each transaction conducted by his/her firm. Each firm shall maintain signed copies of all offers,
signed copies of all closing statements, detailed records of all escrow accounts required by statute or
otherwise maintained, and any additional documents as may be necessary to make a complete record of
each transaction effected by such firm. All such records shall be maintained for three (3) years and shall
be open to inspection by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
(c) Each acquisition agent shall maintain complete records of all advertising and/or promotional
materials used, names and addresses of all persons who receive prizes, other than the names and
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addresses of persons who received the prize most frequently awarded, the retail value of all prizes
awarded and a statement of the odds of winning each prize. These records shall be maintained for three
(4) years following the expiration date of the contest or gift offer and shall be open to inspection by the
Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
(d) Each managing agent shall maintain complete records of all time-share plans managed by his/her
firm. Each firm shall maintain complete and detailed records of all maintenance fees collected and the
disbursement of these fees for repair and maintenance of the accommodations. These records shall
include copies of all contracts, agreements, receipts and invoices, and any additional documents as may
be necessary to make a complete record of all financial transactions with regard to the management of
each accommodation. Each firm shall also maintain complete records of any rental program operated for
the benefit of owners of time-share interests. These records shall be maintained for three (3) years and
shall be open to inspection by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
13.7 Advertising materials.
Advertising materials used in this state shall be maintained for three (3) years by the developer or agent
using the materials.
13.8 Financial statements.
Financial statements are required to be submitted to the Commission under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-14-
204(a). The statements shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and be issued
by a certified public accountant who shall perform an independent review or audit in accordance with the
applicable standards of the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified
Public accountants.
13.9 [Repealed.]
13.10 "Reasonable Time" defined.
"Reasonable time" as used in Ark. Code Ann. § 18-14-409(a) shall be presumed to be thirty (30) days.
13.11 Limitations.
Should the parties agree to reduce the period of limitation as stated in Ark. Code Ann. § 18-14-403, such
agreement to reduce shall be a separate and distinct paragraph of the contract and shall be initialed by
the parties as though the paragraph were an alteration of the original agreement.
13.12 Reservation; deposit refundable.
Upon receipt of a deposit and acceptance of a reservation pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-14-202(a), the
developer shall notify the purchaser in writing that the deposit is refundable at any time at the purchaser's
option and that the acceptance of the deposit does not create a binding obligation.
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13.13 General Regulations apply.
Regulations of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission 1.1 through 15.8 inclusive shall regulate the practice
and procedure for the Commission for enforcement of the Arkansas Time-Share Law and are hereby
adopted and incorporated by reference as though included herein word for word; provided that, for
purposes of the Arkansas Time-Share Law, reference to the Real Estate License Law or Commission
Regulations, and/or reference to licensees, shall be deemed to include the Arkansas Time-Share Law and
Time-Share Regulations; and reference to licensees shall be deemed to include registrants under the
Arkansas Time-Share Law.
13.14 [Repealed.]
13.15 [Repealed.]
SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE; PARTIAL REPEALER.
14.1 Effective date.
The foregoing Regulations numbered 1.1 through 12.2 shall become effective on January 1, 1994.
14.2 Partial repealer.
Previously enacted and currently existing Regulations of the Commission numbered 101 through 159
and 201 through 205 are deemed superseded by these Regulations 1.1 through 12.2 and are therefore
repealed as of January 1, 1994 as to any acts, conduct, transactions or other matters which occur on or
after January 1, 1994; provided, however, that any acts, conduct, transactions or other matters which
occur prior to January 1, 1994, which become the subject of a complaint, hearing, action, or determination
after January 1, 1994, shall be governed and controlled by Regulations 101 through 159 and 201 through
205.
SECTION 15. REAL ESTATE AUCTION DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.
15.1 Definitions.
(a) Absentee bid means a procedure that allows a bidder to participate in the bidding without being
physically present.
(b) Absolute Auction means an auction where the real estate is sold to the highest qualified bidder with
no minimum bid or limiting conditions. The seller may not bid personally or through an agent, unless the
seller is a party to the dissolution of any marriage, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation,
and is bidding as an individual apart from the selling entity. Also known as an auction without reserve.
(c) Auction means a method of selling real estate in a public forum through open and competitive
bidding.
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(d) Auction agreement means the same as a written listing agreement or written agency agreement for
the purposes of this section.
(e) Auction With Reserve means an auction of real estate in which the seller or his agent reserves the
right to establish a disclosed or undisclosed minimum bid, to accept or reject any and all bids, and to
withdraw the real estate at any time prior to announcement of the completion of the sale by the
auctioneer. Also known as reserve auction or as an auction subject to confirmation.
(f) Auctioneer means any individual who holds an active Arkansas Real Estate license pursuant to ACA §
17-42-101 et seq. [and an active Arkansas Auctioneer license pursuant to ACA § 17-17-101 et seq.], who
offers, attempts, or agrees to auction real estate or participate in a real estate auction.
(g) Bid means a prospective buyer’s indication of offer of a price the prospective buyer is willing to pay
to purchase real estate at auction.
(h) Buyer’s premium means an advertised percentage of the high bid or flat fee added to the high bid
to determine the total contract price to be paid by the buyer.
(i) Internet auction means an auction in which a prospective buyer bids using electronic media. The term
also includes an auction in which the auctioneer conducts the auction using electronic media.
(j) Rafter Bid or Puffing of a Bid means a fictitious bid used to increase the final sales price.
(k) Reserve means the minimum price that a seller is willing to accept for a property to be sold at auction.
(l) Shill means a person who falsely pretends to have no association with the auctioneer or seller and
gives the impression of being an enthusiastic bidder by puffing of a bid.
15.2 Nature of auction and written auction agreement.
(a) Auction shall be with reserve, unless the real estate is offered without reserve using explicit terms
such as “absolute” or “without reserve.” In an auction “with reserve,” the auctioneer may withdraw the
real estate at any time until he/she announces completion of the auction. In an “absolute” auction or
auction “without reserve,” after the auctioneer calls for bids on real estate, that real estate cannot be
withdrawn unless no bid is made within a reasonable time.
(b) The auctioneer shall have a written auction agreement with the owner stating the parties’
agreement regarding the terms and conditions of the auction, including whether the auction will be an
absolute auction or auction with reserve and the terms of reserve or conditions on the sale; whether a
buyer’s premium will be charged the buyer and who will receive the buyer’s premium collected, and
whether the auctioneer or others on the auctioneer’s behalf may bid on or purchase the subject real
estate at the auction. The auction agreement shall include the address of the property; the compensation
to be received by the auctioneer; and the signatures of all parties. At the time of securing the auction
agreement, the auctioneer who obtains it shall give the person or persons signing the agreement a true
copy of the agreement. In those cases where the auction is an absolute auction or auction without reserve,
the auction agreement or an addendum thereto must include the following statement in 14 point bold-
faced type.
“SELLER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE PROPERTY OF SELLER (OR PORTION THEREOF IF
CONSPICUOUSLY NOTED ON THIS AGREEMENT BETWEEN AUCTIONEER AND SELLER) IS TO BE SOLD AND
CONVEYED TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER AT THE AUCTION SALE REGARDLESS OF PRICE AND WITHOUT
SELLER HAVING ANY AUTHORITY OR LEGAL RIGHT TO REFUSE TO CONVEY THE PROPERTY (OR PORTION
THEREOF) TO SUCH HIGH BIDDER. SELLER IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO VISIT WITH AN ARKANSAS LICENSED
ATTORNEY WITH REGARD TO THE DIFFERENCE IN AN AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE (SUCH AS THAT
INTENDED BY AND TO OCCUR PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT) AND AN AUCTION WITH RESERVE.
SELLER IS ALSO STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO VISIT WITH ANY LIENHOLDER OR SELLER
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PURSUANT TO ANY INSTALLMENT LAND SALE (OR SIMILAR) CONTRACT WITH REGARD TO THE NATURE
OF THIS AUCTION AGREEMENT.”
(c) A bidder may retract a bid prior to the auctioneer’s announcement of completion of the auction, but
a bidder’s retraction does not revive any previous bid.
(d) Each sale at auction is complete and considered legally binding upon the person making the final
winning bid at the moment the auctioneer announces the completion of the sale by the fall of the hammer
or in any other customary manner.
15.3 Auctioneer/Seller bidding or purchasing auctioned real estate.
(a) Auctioneer bidding.
(1) The auctioneer shall not bid or otherwise purchase the real estate being auctioned, or permit
others to do so on his behalf, unless he has disclosed that he may bid or may purchase the real estate as
provided herein.
(2) In a reserve auction, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the seller after giving notice pursuant
to section c below.
(b) Seller bidding.
(1) In an absolute auction, the auctioneer shall not knowingly permit the seller or others on the
seller’s behalf to bid on the seller’s real estate being auctioned, unless the seller is a party to the
dissolution of any marriage, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation, and is bidding as an
individual apart from the selling entity and disclosure as required herein has been made to those in
attendance at the auction.
(2) In a reserve auction, the auctioneer shall not knowingly permit the seller or others on the seller’s
behalf to bid on the seller’s real estate being auctioned unless the auctioneer has disclosed that the seller
or others on the seller’s behalf may bid on the real estate being auctioned as provided herein.
(c) Notices.
Immediately prior to opening the bidding on the subject real estate, the auctioneer shall announce to all
of those in attendance at the auction, the terms and conditions of the auction, and announce if the seller
and/or auctioneer, or others on their behalf may bid on or purchase the real estate being auctioned.
15.4 Auction Advertisements.
An auctioneer who advertises real estate shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Auction advertisements that include real estate must disclose the name of the real estate firm
and auctioneer licensed with that firm who will be conducting the auction;
(2) Advertising real estate for sale at which some parcels will be auctioned with reserve and some
parcels will be auctioned without reserve shall clearly and conspicuously indicate this fact to the public.
(3) An auctioneer shall disclose the existence of any buyer’s premium to be charged to a buyer at
an auction sale. Such disclosure shall be made in all published advertising and disclosed prior to the start
of an auction.
15.5 Internet auction sale procedure and absentee bids.
In an Internet auction sale or in an auction that allows for absentee bids, the auctioneer must validate a
buyer’s capability to participate in the sale by obtaining the buyer’s name, address, e-mail address, phone
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number, and ability to legally enter into a contract. In addition, the auctioneer shall obtain an agreement
to the terms of the auction procedure from any buyer wishing to participate in the sale.
15.6 Auctioneer to maintain records.
(a) The Principal Broker of the real estate firm with which the auctioneer is licensed must maintain for
a period of three years copies of all agreements, listing contracts, handbills, advertisements, and other
pertinent records, including signed closing statements and any auction recordings whether audio, video,
or audiovisual if the auction was recorded. The records are subject to review by the commission.
(b) For all auctions that an auctioneer advertises as absolute, a copy of the closing statement signed by
the seller and buyer for the real property that was the subject of the absolute auction must be maintained
by the principal broker for a period of three years. In the event deed does not transfer for real estate
advertised for inclusion in an absolute auction, the transaction file must include a detailed explanation as
to why the property was not sold.
15.7 Certain acts prohibited.
Prohibited acts include the following:
(1) Knowingly receiving or using a rafter bid, puffing of a bid, or any type of bid rigging such as
utilizing the services of a shill;
(2) Knowingly permitting an unlicensed individual to participate in a real estate auction;
(3) Knowingly and intentionally misleading the seller, buyer, or bidders in the advertising, conduct,
and closing of an auction.
(4) A continued and flagrant course of misrepresentation or making false promises, either by the
auctioneer, an employee of the auctioneer, or by someone acting on behalf of and with the auctioneer’s
consent.
(5) Failure to properly make any disclosures or to provide documents or information required by
this section.
(6) Establishing a pattern of practice of advertising auctions that include real estate as “absolute”
when the auctioneer knew or should have known that a minimum bid or limiting conditions existed for
the properties to be sold.
(7) Establishing a pattern of practice of advertising auctions that include real estate as “absolute”
then subsequently cancelling the auctions or converting the auctions to an Auction with Reserve type
auction.
(8) Any other conduct, whether of the same or a different character from that specified in this
section, whereby the real estate licensee falsely bids or knowingly receives false bids on the property to
be sold only for the purpose of raising the price for the seller or auctioneer.
15.8 Unlicensed real estate activity.
Any unlicensed person who participates in a real estate auction; or who makes or offers to make a rafter
bid; or who engages in or offers to engage in puffing of a bid; or who acts or offers to act as a shill is prima
facie evidence that the person is performing activities listed in Arkansas Code Annotated Section 17-42-
103(9) and is thereby engaged in unlicensed real estate activity and as such is subject to the civil penalties
set out in Arkansas Code Annotated Section 17-42-109.
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SECTION 16. REAL ESTATE EDUCATION.
16.1 Instructor applications; education; experience.
Applicants for original licensure as a Principal or Associate Instructor must apply on forms provided by the
Commission, pay the application fee established by these Regulations, and meet the following
requirements:
(a) Broker pre-license and broker post-license Instructor applicants must provide proof of the following:
(1) Completion of not less than a high school diploma or GED;
(2) Successful completion of the following courses of instruction in real estate, which proof shall
consist of the original certificate(s) or certified copies thereof, from the school or other organization or
other documentation satisfactory to the Commission:
(A) Not less than thirty (30) classroom hours in the basic principles of real estate completed by
actual classroom attendance or completion of approved distance education courses;
(B) Not less than sixty (60) classroom hours in broker pre-license education to include not less
than forty-five (45) hours of broker pre-license education developed by the Commission, completed by
actual classroom attendance or approved distance education;
(C) Not less than eighteen (18) classroom hours in salesperson post-license education and thirty
(30) hours in broker post-license education developed by the Commission, completed by actual classroom
attendance or approved distance education;
(3) Have in Real Estate five (5) years of work experience within the immediately preceding six (6)
years; and
(4) Hold and maintain a current active Arkansas Real Estate Broker License.
(b) Salesperson pre-license Instructor applicants must provide proof of the following:
(1) Completion of not less than a high school diploma or GED;
(2) Successful completion of a course or courses of instruction consisting of not less than thirty (30)
classroom hours in the basic principles of real estate completed by actual classroom attendance or
completion of approved distance education courses, which proof shall consist of the original certificate(s)
or certified copies thereof, from the school or other organization or other documentation satisfactory to
the Commission;
(3) Have in Real Estate five (5) years of work experience within the immediately preceding six (6)
years; and
(4) Hold and maintain a current active Arkansas Real Estate Broker License.
(c) Salesperson post-license Instructor applicants must provide proof of the following:
(1) Completion of not less than a high school diploma or GED;
(2) Successful completion of the following courses of instruction in real estate, which proof shall
consist of the original certificate(s) or certified copies thereof, from the school or other organization or
other documentation satisfactory to the Commission:
(A) Not less than thirty (30) classroom hours in the basic principles of real estate completed by
actual classroom attendance or completion of approved distance education courses;
(B) Not less than eighteen (18) classroom hours in salesperson post-license education
developed by the Commission, completed by actual classroom attendance or approved distance
education;
(3) Have in Real Estate five (5) years of work experience within the immediately preceding six (6)
years; and
(4) Hold and maintain a current active Arkansas Real Estate Broker License.
(d) Continuing education Instructor applicants must provide proof of the following:
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(1) Completion of not less than a high school diploma or GED;
(2) Successful completion of a course or courses of instruction consisting of not less than thirty (30)
classroom hours in the basic principles of real estate completed by actual classroom attendance or
completion of approved distance education courses, which proof shall consist of the original certificate(s)
or certified copies thereof, from the school or other organization or other documentation satisfactory to
the Commission
(3) Have in Real Estate five (5) years of work experience within the immediately preceding six (6)
years; and
(4) Hold and maintain a current active Arkansas Real Estate Broker License.
(e) Real estate Guest Speakers must:
(1) Have in the subject matter being presented five (5) years of work experience within the
immediately preceding six (6) years;
(2) Register with the Commission on forms prescribed by the Commission; and
(3) Refrain from engaging in product and/or service promotion during class time.
(f) All Instructors shall demonstrate in a manner satisfactory to the Commission a thorough, accurate
and current knowledge of the subject matter being taught.
(g) The Commission may require Instructor and Administrator attendance at an annual Educator Retreat
Workshop and other semi-annual Instructor training workshops.
16.2 School applications; association applications.
Applications for a Main School, Branch School or Association license must be submitted on forms provided
by the Commission and accompanied by the application fee established by these Regulations and shall
meet the following requirements:
(a) Main and Branch School license applications must include:
(1) Name and location of the school
(2) Current roster of licensed Instructors and registered Guest Speakers
(3) An identified Principal Instructor;
(4) A signed statement that the school or association is in compliance with all local, state and federal
zoning ordinances and all accessibility requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA); and
(5) Copies of school policies to be filed with the Commission regarding course attendance, make-
up work and refunds.
(b) Association license applications must include:
(1) Name and location of the Association;
(2) An identified Administrator; and
(3) Copies of Association policies to be filed with the Commission regarding course attendance,
make-up work and refunds.
16.3 Course approval requirements.
Applications for real estate education course approvals must be submitted on forms provided by the
Commission and accompanied by the application fee established by these Regulations and shall meet the
following requirements:
(a) Salesperson Pre-License Courses:
(1) Must include not less than thirty (30) classroom hours in the basic principles of real estate; and
(2) May be offered by classroom instruction or approved distance education.
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(b) Broker Pre-License Courses:
(1) Must adhere to the Commission’s approved broker pre-license education content outline,
learning objectives and measurement tools;
(2) May not be marketed as examination preparation or “exam prep” courses; and
(3) May be offered by classroom instruction or approved distance education.
(c) Salesperson and Broker Post-License Courses:
(1) Must adhere to the Commission’s approved salesperson and broker post-license education
content outlines, learning objectives and measurement tools; and
(2) May be offered by classroom instruction or approved distance education.
(d) Continuing Education Courses:
(1) Must be based upon subject matter topics identified by the Commission, as established by § 17-
42-502;
(2) Must include a course outline and learning objectives; and
(3) May be offered by classroom instruction or approved distance education.
16.4 Renewals.
(a) The renewal period for school, association and instructor licenses will be May 1 to April 30. Renewal
applications accompanied by the required fee must be filed with the Commission no later than March 31.
In order to be considered filed with the Commission by the deadline, the renewal applications and
accompanying fees must be submitted in completion and must bear a U.S. Postal Service postmark of
March 31 or be received in the Commission’s office on or before March 31. If March 31 falls on a Saturday,
Sunday or legal holiday, the Commission shall accept as meeting the filing deadline those renewal
applications that bear a U.S. Postal Service postmark of the first business day thereafter, and those
applications received in the Commission office on the first day the office is open to the public following
such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
(b) A renewal application filed after the March 31 renewal deadline shall be treated as a late renewal
application.
(c) A license renewal not received by April 30 will be considered an original application for licensure
upon submittal to the Commission.
(d) The renewal period for real estate education courses will be twelve (12) months from the date of
initial course approval.
(1) Where no substantive changes have been made to course content, course renewal applications
accompanied by the required fee must be filed with the Commission no later than thirty (30) days prior
to the approval’s expiration date.
(2) Where substantive changes have been made to course content, course renewal applications
accompanied by the required fee must be filed with the Commission no later than sixty (60) days prior to
the approval’s expiration date.
(e) A course approval renewal application received after the thirty (30) or sixty (60) day deadline shall
be treated as a late renewal.
(f) A course approval renewal application submitted to the Commission after the course approval
expiration date will be considered an original application for course approval.
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16.5 Monitoring.
(a) The Commission or its designee shall periodically monitor all aspects of real estate education
offerings. As such, a School or Association’s course schedule should at all times be readily available to the
Commission.
(b) For any real estate class that is offered and has an attendance of over forty (40) participants, that
Instructor or Administrator shall have on file with the Commission an approved monitoring plan. The plan
shall be filed prior to the course offering.
(c) Any licensed school associated by name with a real estate firm and whose courses are conducted
primarily at that firm’s place of business shall have an approved permanent monitoring plan on file with
the Commission.
(d) For any real estate class that is offered and has instructional time devoted to luncheons, that
Instructor or Administrator shall have on file with the Commission an approved monitoring plan.
(e) For any real estate class that is closed to a specific group of individuals, that Instructor or
Administrator shall notify the Commission two (2) weeks prior to the course offering of the date, time and
location of the class.
(f) For any real estate class that is offered with a third party sponsor’s participation, that Instructor or
Administrator shall have on file with the Commission an approved monitoring plan. The plan shall be filed
not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the course offering.
(g) Any monitoring plan filed with the Commission should include the following:
(1) Criteria for determining one hundred percent (100%) attendance and course completion by
students enrolled in the course;
(2) Methods for monitoring students’ attendance and participation;
(3) A copy of the school or association’s make-up policy; and
(4) Identification and signature(s) of the Principal Instructor and other person(s) responsible for
monitoring the course and students.
16.6 Third party sponsors.
(a) Only Principal Instructors or Instructors designated by the Principal Instructor and approved by the
Executive Director may contract with a third party sponsor to offer a continuing education course.
(b) Time committed to product or service promotion shall not be considered instructional time.
(c) Students must be notified in advance of the time during which the third party sponsor will be
presenting product or service promotion to the class. Attendance will be neither monitored nor required
during that time by this subchapter.
(d) Third party sponsors must sign a statement affirming that their sponsorship of the course is not in
violation of RESPA. This statement must accompany the monitoring plan filed with the Commission.
(e) The Principal Instructor should obtain the signature of an authorized representative of the third
party sponsor on the monitoring plan filed with the Commission.
16.7 Distance education.
(a) Schools offering distance education must also offer classroom courses in Arkansas.
(b) Distance education instructors must meet the requirements listed under Regulation 16.1.
(c) Distance education instructors must hold the ARELLO® Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI)
designation.
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(d) For every distance education course, the instructor associated with the course must actively interact
with the students completing the course.
(e) All distance education courses must be ARELLO® certified unless the course content is developed by
and the delivery method(s) is approved by the Commission.
(f) In any distance education course, the student must attest that they personally completed the
coursework.
16.8 Course requirements.
(a) All real estate education courses shall be conducted in a facility that provides an appropriate learning
environment. At a minimum, the classroom shall:
(1) Be of sufficient size to comfortably accommodate all enrolled students;
(2) Be adequately equipped with student desks, worktables with chairs or other seating having a
writing surface and arranged so that the writing surface is in front of students allowing students to have
an unobstructed view of the Instructor and opportunities for interaction;
(3) Have adequate light, heat, cooling, ventilation and public address equipment; and
(4) Be free of distractions that disrupt class sessions.
(b) All real estate education courses shall require one hundred percent (100%) attendance for
satisfactory completion. Activities of a non-participatory nature shall not qualify as attendance. Therefore,
a student’s physical presence in the classroom does not, in and of itself, establish satisfactory completion.
(c) It is the duty of the Principal Instructor or Administrator to immediately notify the Commission in
writing of any student or real estate licensee who petitions any person associated with a licensed School
or Association to falsify course attendance or completion.
(d) Make-up policies filed with the Commission will set forth provisions for student absences and
tardiness with corresponding methods for making up any course content or assignments missed.
(e) A school shall issue a certificate of completion to a student who has paid the appropriate fees and
complied with all attendance and make-up policy requirements for satisfactory completion of the course.
(f) Notwithstanding Regulation 16.7(e), nothing in this subchapter shall require an Instructor, a School
or an Association to issue a certificate of completion to an individual student who, in the Instructor’s
opinion, has not satisfactorily completed the course.
(g) The Commission shall annually establish subject matter topics acceptable for continuing education
courses.
(h) For any topic required by the Commission under § 17-42-514(a)(2), the Commission may establish
additional parameters governing course content and delivery.
(i) All post-license education and broker pre-license education must include learning objectives
established by the Commission.
16.9 Felony reporting requirements.
(a) All real estate Instructors and Administrators of licensed Associations must comply with the
requirements set forth in Regulation 10.16(a) and (b).
(b) An applicant for a real estate instructor license who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo
contendere to any crime other than a traffic violation or who, after the initiation of an investigation,
hearing or other administrative action has surrendered or has had a professional, vocational or
occupational license, permit, certification or registration denied, revoked, suspended or canceled or who
has been subjected to any sanctions, including probation, involving such a license, permit, certification or
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registration shall furnish the written report referred to in Regulation 10.16(a) or (b) to the Commission at
the time the application is submitted.
16.10 Maintenance of records; school or association closings.
(a) Each Principal Instructor, school owner or Administrator must maintain complete records of all real
estate education business handled by that school or association; for example, enrollment forms,
attendance records, certificates of completion, etc.
(b) All records shall be maintained by the Principal Instructor or Administrator for three (3) years or
such time as may be required by law, whichever is greater, and shall be open to inspection by and made
available to the staff of the Commission at the school or association’s location or other location designated
by the Commission. All records required by this Regulation may be maintained in an electronic form,
provided that a copy of the records can be produced as required by this Regulation.
(c) When a School or Association ceases to offer real estate education, the last Principal Instructor or
Administrator remaining with the School or Association shall be responsible for all records of the School
or Association pertaining to real estate education, and at the time the School or Association ceases to
offer real estate education, the Principal Instructor or Administrator shall immediately notify the
Commission of the address and phone number of the place where those records are being maintained. If
for any reason that Instructor or Administrator delivers custody of or responsibility for those records to
another person or entity, he/she shall immediately notify the Commission of such transfer and furnish the
name, address and phone number of such person or entity.
(d) When a School or Association closes and students have paid for education offerings not yet
delivered, the Commission may arrange for completion of those students’ education through another
licensed Instructor.
(1) The Commission may be assigned by these students all rights and claims that they may have
against the School or Association involved.
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Federal Fair Housing Law
Summary Information
Extracted From
Federal Register
Vol. 54, No. 13
“Implementation of the
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988”
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Publication
“Fair Housing - It’s Your Right”
(HUD Publication: HUD-1260-FHEO)
Federal Fair Housing Laws
Federal laws that are commonly referred to as “fair housing laws” consist of the:
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended in 1974 and 1988)
14th Amendment to the United States Constitution
The Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:
Race or color
National origin
Religion
Sex
Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians;
pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18)
Handicap
What Housing Is Covered?
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied
buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker
and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
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Discriminatory Housing Practices - What Is Prohibited?
In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:
It shall be unlawful for a person to refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to a person who has made a bona
fide offer, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin or to refuse to
negotiate with a person for the sale or rental of a dwelling because of race, color religion, sex, familial
status, or national origin, or to discriminate against any person in the sale or rental of a dwelling
because of handicap.
Prohibited actions include but are not limited to:
Failing to accept or consider a bona fide offer.
Refusing to sell or rent a dwelling to, or to negotiate for the sale or rental of a dwelling with any
person.
Imposing different sales prices or rental charges for the sale or rental of a dwelling upon any person.
Using different qualification criteria or applications, or sale or rental standards or procedures, such
as income standards, application requirements, application fees, credit analysis, or sale or rental
approval procedures or other requirements.
Evicting tenants because of their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin
or because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin of a tenant’s
guest.
It shall be unlawful, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin,
to impose different terms, conditions or privileges relating to the sale or rental of a dwelling or to
deny or limit services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling.
Prohibited actions include but are not limited to:
Using different provisions in leases or contracts of sale, such as those relating to rental charges,
security deposits and the terms of a lease and those relating to down payment and closing
requirements.
Failing or delaying maintenance or repairs or sale or rental dwellings.
Failing to process an offer for the sale or rental of a dwelling or to communicate an offer accurately.
Limiting the use of privileges, services or facilities associated with a dwelling.
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Denying or limiting services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling.
It shall be unlawful, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin to
restrict or attempt to restrict the choices of a person by word or conduct in connection with seeking,
negotiating for, buying or renting a dwelling so as to perpetuate, or tend to perpetuate, segregated
housing patterns, or to discourage or obstruct choices in a community, neighborhood or development.
Prohibited actions which are generally referred to as unlawful steering include but are not limited to:
Discouraging any person from inspecting, purchasing or renting a dwelling.
Discouraging the purchase or rental of a dwelling by exaggerating drawbacks or failing to inform any
person of desirable features of a dwelling or of a community, neighborhood, or development.
Communicating to any prospective purchaser that he or she would not be comfortable or compatible
with existing residents of a community, neighborhood or development.
Assigning any person to a particular section of a community, neighborhood or development, or to a
particular floor of a building.
It shall be unlawful, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin,
to engage in any conduct relating to the provision of housing or of services and facilities in connection
therewith that otherwise makes unavailable or denies dwellings to persons.
Prohibited actions relating to dwellings include but are not limited to:
Discharging or taking other adverse action against an employee, broker or agent because he or she
refused to participate in a discriminatory housing practice.
Employing codes or other devices to segregate or reject applicants, purchasers or renters, refusing
to take or to show listings of dwellings in certain areas because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap,
familial status, or national origin, or refusing to deal with certain brokers or agents because they or
one or more of their clients are of a particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or
national origin.
Denying or delaying the processing of an application made by a purchaser or renter or refusing to
approve such a person for occupancy in a cooperative or condominium dwelling.
Refusing to provide municipal services or property or hazard insurance for dwellings or providing
such services or insurance differently.
It shall be unlawful to make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published, any notice,
statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling which indicates any
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preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status,
or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Discriminatory notices, statements and advertisements include, but are not limited to:
Using words, phrases, photographs, illustrations, symbols or forms which convey that dwellings
are available or not available to a particular group of persons.
Expressing to agents, brokers, employees, prospective sellers or renters or any other persons a
preference for or limitation on any purchaser or renter.
Selecting media or locations for advertising the sale or rental of dwellings which deny particular
segments of the housing market information about housing opportunities.
Refusing to publish advertising for the sale or rental of dwellings or requiring different charges
or terms for such advertising.
It shall be unlawful, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin,
to provide inaccurate or untrue information about the availability of dwellings for sale or rental.
Prohibited actions include but are not limited to:
Indicating through words or conduct that a dwelling which is available for inspection, sale, or
rental has been sold or rented.
Representing that covenants or other deed, trust or lease provisions which purport to restrict
the sale or rental of dwellings because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or
national origin preclude the sale or rental of a dwelling to a person.
Enforcing covenants or other deed, trust, or lease provisions which preclude the sale or rental
of a dwelling to any person.
Limiting information, by word or conduct, regarding suitably priced dwellings available for
inspection, sale or rental.
Providing false or inaccurate information regarding the availability of a dwelling for sale or
rental to any person, including testers, regardless of whether such person is actually seeking
housing.
Blockbusting: It shall be unlawful, for profit, to induce or attempt to induce a person to sell or rent a
dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a
person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin or with a
handicap.
Prohibited actions include but are not limited to:
Engaging, for profit, in conduct (including uninvited solicitations for listings) which conveys to a
person that a neighborhood is undergoing or is about to undergo a change in the race, color,
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religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin of persons residing in it, in order to
encourage the person to offer a dwelling for sale or rental.
Encouraging, for profit, any person to sell or rent a dwelling through assertions that the entry
or prospective entry of persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or
national origin, or with handicaps, can or will result in undesirable consequences for the project,
neighborhood or community, such as a lowering of property values, an increase in criminal or
antisocial behavior, or a decline in the quality of schools or other services or facilities.
It shall be unlawful to deny any person access to or membership or participation in any multiple listing
service, real estate brokers’ organization or other service, organization, or facility relating to the
business of selling or renting dwellings, or to discriminate against any person in the terms or
conditions of such access, membership or participation, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap,
familial status, or national origin.
Prohibited actions include but are not limited to:
Setting different fees for access to or membership in a multiple listing service.
Denying or limiting benefits accruing to members in a real estate brokers’ organization.
Imposing different standards or criteria for membership in a real estate sales or rental
organization.
Establishing geographic boundaries or office location or residence requirements for access to
or membership or participation in any multiple listing service, real estate brokers organization
or other service, organization or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings.
In Mortgage Lending: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, familial status or handicap:
Refuse to make a mortgage loan
Refuse to provide information regarding loans
Impose different terms or conditions on a loan
Discriminate in appraising property
Refuse to purchase a loan or
Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan
In Addition: It is illegal for anyone to:
Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others
who exercise that right
Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory
advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the
Fair Housing Act.
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Additional Protection If A Person Has A Disability
If a person or someone associated with that person:
Has a physical or mental disability (including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic
alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS Related Complex and mental retardation) that
substantially limits one or more major life activities
Has a record of such a disability or
Is regarded as having such a disability
The landlord may not:
Refuse to let that person make reasonable modifications to the dwelling or common use areas,
at that person’s expense, if necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing. (Where
reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if the person agrees to restore the property
to its original condition when he moves.)
Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in Regulations, policies, practices or services if
necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing.
Example: A building with a “no pets” policy must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep a
guide dog.
Example: An apartment complex that offers tenants ample, unassigned parking must honor a
request from a mobility-impaired tenant for a reserved space near her apartment if necessary
to assure that she can have access to her apartment.
However, housing need not be made available to a person who is a direct threat to the health or safety of
others or who currently uses illegal drugs.
Requirements for New Buildings: In buildings that are ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, and
have an elevator and four or more units:
Public and common areas must be accessible to persons with disabilities
Doors and hallways must be wide enough for wheelchairs
All units must have:
An accessible route into and through the unit
Accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls
Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars and
Kitchens and bathrooms that can be used by people in wheelchairs
If a building with four or more units has no elevator and will be ready for first occupancy after March 13,
1991, these standards apply to ground floor units.
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These requirements for new buildings do not replace any more stringent standards in state or local law.
Housing Opportunities for Families
Unless a building or community qualifies as housing for older persons, it may not discriminate based on
familial status. That is, it may not discriminate against families in which one or more children under 18
live with:
A parent
A person who has legal custody of the child or children or
The designee of the parent or legal custodian, with the parent or custodian’s written permission
Familial status protection also applies to pregnant women and anyone securing legal custody of a child
under 18.
Exemption: Housing for older persons is exempt from the prohibition against familial status discrimination
if:
The HUD Secretary has determined that it is specifically designed for and occupied by elderly persons
under a federal, state or local government program or
It is occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older or
It houses at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units and adheres
to a published policy statement that demonstrates an intent to house persons who are 55 or older.
A transition period permits residents on or before September 13, 1988 to continue living in the housing,
regardless of their age, without interfering with the exemption.
For Further Information:
The purpose of this information is to summarize certain fair housing laws. The Fair Housing Act and HUD’s
regulations contain more detail and technical information. If you need a copy of the law or regulations,
contact the HUD regional office nearest you or:
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Room 5116
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20410-2000
(202) 708-2878