Key Takeaways
- The DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) regulates real estate licensees under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
- DCREC consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor: three brokers, two salespersons, two property managers, one attorney, and one consumer member
- All Commission members must be District of Columbia residents throughout their tenure
- DCREC has authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and take disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation
- The Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund provides consumer protection and funds educational programs
District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC)
The DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) operates under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and is responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing real estate professionals in the District of Columbia.
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DCREC Structure and Authority
Commission Members
DCREC consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor:
| Member Type | Number | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed brokers | 3 | Active DC broker license |
| Licensed salespersons | 2 | Active DC salesperson license |
| Licensed property managers | 2 | Active DC property manager license |
| Licensed attorney | 1 | Active DC Bar member |
| Consumer member | 1 | Not licensed in real estate |
All members must be residents of the District of Columbia throughout their tenure.
Key DCREC Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve pre-license and CE courses |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct audits of trust accounts |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or deny licenses; impose fines up to $2,500 per violation |
| Guaranty Fund | Administer the Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund |
DC Real Estate License Law
The DC real estate license law is governed by:
- D.C. Code Title 42, Chapter 17 - Real Estate Brokers' Duties
- D.C. Code Title 47, Chapter 28 - Non-Health Related Occupations and Professions
- Title 17 DCMR - DC Municipal Regulations for Real Estate
Key Provisions
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker, salesperson, and property manager activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees
- Agency relationships - Disclosure and consent requirements
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Trust account handling - Requirements for client funds
Exam Tip: The DC Real Estate Commission operates under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), formerly known as DCRA (Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs).
Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund
The DC Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund provides compensation to consumers who suffer financial losses due to the misconduct of a licensed real estate professional and funds educational programs.
Fund Details
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fund contribution fee | $60 (included in license fees) |
| Maximum per licensee | Up to $50,000 |
| Filing requirements | Must obtain court judgment or Commission order |
| License consequence | License automatically suspended if claim paid |
How the Fund Works
- Consumer is harmed by licensee misconduct
- Consumer obtains court judgment or files complaint with Commission
- Consumer applies to DCREC for payment from Guaranty Fund
- DCREC reviews and issues payment order (if eligible)
- Payment made within 60 days of order
- Licensee's license is automatically suspended
License Restoration After Fund Payment
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Repayment required | Full amount paid from Fund |
| Interest rate | 6% per annum |
| Until repaid | License remains suspended |
Educational Use of Fund
The Commission may use up to 20% of Fund deposits for:
- Educational programs for licensees and applicants
- Conferences and workshops
- Programs to protect the public interest
DCREC Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | dlcp.dc.gov/page/real-estate-commission |
| Parent Agency | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
| Online Portal | Access DC (accessdc.dc.gov) |
How many members serve on the DC Real Estate Commission?
What is the maximum fine the DC Real Estate Commission can impose per violation?
What happens to a licensee's license if a claim is paid from the Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund?