Key Takeaways
- The Rhode Island Real Estate Commission operates under the Department of Business Regulation (DBR)
- The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor
- The Commission has authority to issue licenses, adopt rules, investigate complaints, and impose penalties
- Monetary penalties can be up to $2,000 per violation; licenses may be suspended, revoked, or placed on probation
- Rhode Island requires 45 hours of pre-license education for salesperson applicants
Rhode Island Real Estate Commission
The Rhode Island Real Estate Commission is the regulatory entity within the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Rhode Island.
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Commission Structure and Authority
Commission Members
The Rhode Island Real Estate Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor:
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Elected by commission members |
| Vice Chairperson | Elected by commission members |
| Members | Licensed real estate professionals |
Members serve staggered terms with appointments expiring on different years.
Key Commission Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Rulemaking | Establish rules and regulations for licensees |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct hearings |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or place licenses on probation; impose fines |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve courses and schools |
Rhode Island Real Estate License Law
The Rhode Island Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-20.5) is the primary statute governing real estate licensing. Key provisions include:
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker and salesperson activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Disciplinary actions - Grounds for suspension or revocation
- Escrow handling - Requirements for client funds
Regulatory Authority
The Commission's authority is established under R.I. Gen. Laws sections 5-20.5-6, 5-20.5-12, 5-20.5-19, 5-20.5-20, 5-20.5-26, and 5-20.6-12.
Exam Tip: The Rhode Island Real Estate Commission operates under the Department of Business Regulation (DBR). All licensure and regulatory matters flow through DBR.
Enforcement and Penalties
Investigation Authority
The Rhode Island Real Estate Commission has the power to:
- Conduct investigations into complaints filed against licensees
- Initiate investigations without a complaint
- Hold hearings against accused licensees
- Impose penalties if violations are found
Available Penalties
| Penalty Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Monetary fine | Up to $2,000 per violation |
| Probation | Up to 1 year of close examination |
| License suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| License revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| License denial | Refuse to issue initial license |
Due Process Rights
Licensees have the right to:
- Notice of charges before adverse action
- Hearing before the Commission
- Representation by an attorney
- Appeal unfavorable decisions to court
Key Point: Monetary penalties may only be imposed after the opportunity for a hearing has been provided.
DBR Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | dbr.ri.gov/real-estate |
| Department | Department of Business Regulation |
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
| License Lookup | Online licensing portal (being updated) |
How many members serve on the Rhode Island Real Estate Commission?
What is the maximum monetary penalty the Rhode Island Real Estate Commission can impose per violation?