Stay Compliant: Key Legal & License Reminders for 2026

C.A.R. Legal Update

If you missed the January 13th Legal Live Webinar covering a recap of the 2026 new laws, don’t worry — you can still catch up.

Access the slide deck here and watch the recording here to stay informed on the latest legal changes impacting your business.

Be sure to watch this space for upcoming Legal Live Webinars, held monthly to keep you current and compliant.

Do You CE What I See? Licenses Are Expiring!

Is your real estate license set to expire in 2026? Now is the time to get ahead.

Take advantage of your member benefit: FREE 45-Hour Continuing Education (45CE) package — everything you need to renew your California real estate license at no cost.

Bonus: Two of the courses also count toward your 3-year renewal requirement with the National Association of REALTORS®.

Don’t wait until the last minute — sign up today and check CE off your list.

Referral Fees & Required Disclosure: RAD Form Reminder

A quick compliance reminder regarding referral fees.

Under California Business & Professions Code §10176(g), a licensee may not claim or receive any secret or undisclosed compensation. This means that if you are receiving a referral fee, it must be disclosed to the client.

C.A.R. also takes the position that a broker paying a referral fee to another person is typically a material fact to the client and should be disclosed.

The RAD (Referral Agreement and Disclosure) form may be used by either:

• The recipient of the referral fee, or

• The broker paying the referral fee

In many cases, the paying broker handles disclosure (for example, by checking the appropriate box in the listing agreement or buyer-broker agreement). When properly disclosed, this satisfies the requirement — because the compensation is no longer secret or undisclosed.

As always, transparency protects both you and your client.