The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Enforcement Division has 37 people—10 attorneys, legal assistants, and investigators. They enforce the laws and rules that regulate real estate brokers, sales agents, real estate inspectors, and timeshare plans, through the investigation of consumer complaints. They also review the fitness of an applicant for licensure.

The only way enforcement can initiate an investigation is through a filed complaint, which can be done by anyone.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 15 in Austin. The agenda was light, as much of the work being done is within the subcommittees at this point.

Are your assumed business names or “doing business as” name (DBAs) on file with TREC? A DBA or assumed business name can be used in advertisements in place of the inspector’s name if it is properly registered with the Commission.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met January 16 via teleconference due to inclement weather in Austin. This was the first meeting of the year, and as a result, there were a number of new members to welcome.

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met on October 16 for the final meeting of the calendar year. This meeting marks the last meeting for multiple members on the committee. Steve Rinehart, Shawn Emerick, Keisha Moulton, and Dave Motley have graciously volunteered their time to help make the inspection industry better. Their contributions have been extremely valuable and greatly appreciated.

Starting October 1, active license holders whose licenses expire will be set to inactive status as of the expiration date, and any license relationships to sales agents and/or brokers will be terminated.

If you late renew—up to six months after your expiration date—your license will be renewed on inactive status.

These changes were adopted during the May TREC Meeting.

Legislation passed by the 88th Texas Legislature requires the Texas Real Estate Commission to update two frequently used forms: the Consumer Protection Notice and the Seller’s Disclosure Notice.

Consumer Protection Notice

What changed? It no longer references the real estate inspection recovery fund, which was repealed this session.

A bill passed by the 88th Texas Legislature requires all licensing agencies, including the Texas Real Estate Commission, to remove or redact certain details about applicants and current and past license holders in publicly available information, such as the TREC website license holder search or via public information requests.

A new rule effective earlier this summer sets a timeline of two calendar days to respond to parties to a real estate transaction you’re involved in. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Rule?

535.157, Obligation to Respond Timely

When Did it Go into Effect?

June 11, 2023