Part P. Duties of Real Estate Brokers, Salespersons, and Property Managers.


  • Current through October 23, 2012
  • (a) A licensee engaged by a seller shall:

    (1) Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage relationship;

    (2) Promote the interests of the seller by:

    (A) Seeking a sale at the price and terms agreed upon in the brokerage relationship or at a price and terms acceptable to the seller; however, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek additional offers to purchase the property while the property is subject to a contract of sale, unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship or as the contract of sale so provides;

    (B) Presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counter-offers to and from the seller, even when the property is already subject to a contract of sale;

    (C) Disclosing to the seller material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge; and

    (D) Accounting for in a timely manner all money and property received in which the seller has or may have an interest;

    (3) Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential, unless otherwise provided by law or the seller consents in writing to the release of such information;

    (4) Exercise ordinary care; and

    (5) Comply with all requirements of this section, all applicable fair housing statutes and regulations, and all other applicable statutes and regulations which are not in conflict with this section.

    (b) A licensee engaged by a seller shall treat all prospective buyers honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. A licensee engaged by a seller shall disclose to prospective buyers all material adverse facts pertaining to the physical condition of the property which are actually known by the licensee. A licensee shall not be liable to a buyer for providing false information to the buyer if the false information was provided to the licensee by the seller and the licensee did not have actual knowledge that the information was false or act in reckless disregard of the truth. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this section or applicable law.

    (c) A licensee engaged by a seller in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law or the brokerage relationship, provide assistance to a buyer or potential buyer by performing ministerial acts. Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with part O and § 47-2853.197 shall not be construed to violate the licensee's brokerage relationship with the seller unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage relationship, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with such buyer or potential buyer.

    (d) A licensee engaged by a seller does not breach any duty or obligation owed to the seller by showing alternative properties to prospective buyers, whether as clients or customers, or by representing other sellers who have other properties for sale.

    (e) Licensees shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this section.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3412.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.191.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • (a) A licensee engaged by a buyer shall:

    (1) Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage relationship;

    (2) Promote the interests of the buyer by:

    (A) Seeking a property at a price and terms acceptable to the buyer, but, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek other properties for the buyer while the buyer is a party to a contract to purchase property unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship;

    (B) Presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the buyer, even when the buyer is already a party to a contract to purchase property;

    (C) Disclosing to the buyer material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge, provided that nothing in this section shall modify or limit in any way the provisions of § 42-1755(f); and

    (D) Accounting for in a timely manner all money and property received in which the buyer has or may have an interest;

    (3) Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the buyer consents in writing to the release of such information;

    (4) Exercise ordinary care; and

    (5) Comply with all requirements of this section, all applicable fair housing statutes and regulations, and all other applicable statutes and regulations which are not in conflict with this section.

    (b) A licensee engaged by a buyer shall treat all prospective sellers honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this section or applicable law. In the case of a residential transaction, a licensee engaged by a buyer shall disclose to a seller the buyer's intent to occupy the property as a principal residence.

    (c) A licensee engaged by a buyer in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law or the brokerage relationship, provide assistance to the seller, or prospective seller, by performing ministerial acts.   Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with part O, § 47-2853.197, and this section shall not be construed to violate the licensee's brokerage relationship with the buyer unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage relationship, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with the seller.

    (d) A licensee engaged by a buyer does not breach any duty or obligation to the buyer by showing properties in which the buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, whether as clients or customers, by representing other buyers looking at the same or other properties, or by representing sellers relative to other properties.

    (e) Licensees shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of § 47-2853.193.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.192.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • (a) A licensee engaged by a landlord to lease property shall:

    (1) Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage relationship;

    (2) Promote the interests of the landlord by:

    (A) Seeking a tenant at the price and terms agreed in the brokerage relationship or at a price and terms acceptable to the landlord; however, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek additional offers to lease the property while the property is subject to a lease or a letter of intent to lease under which the tenant has not yet taken possession, unless agreed as part of the brokerage relationship, or unless the lease or the letter of intent to lease so provides;

    (B) Presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the landlord, even when the property is already subject to a lease or a letter of intent to lease;

    (C) Disclosing to the landlord material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge; and

    (D) Accounting for in a timely manner all money and property received in which the landlord has or may have an interest;

    (3) Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential, unless otherwise provided by law or the landlord consents in writing to the release of such information;

    (4) Exercise ordinary care; and

    (5) Comply with all requirements of this section, fair housing statutes and regulations, and all other applicable statutes and regulations which are not in conflict with this section.

    (b) A licensee engaged by a landlord to lease property shall treat all prospective tenants honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. A licensee engaged by a landlord shall disclose to prospective tenants all material adverse facts pertaining to the physical condition of the property which are actually known by the licensee. A licensee shall not be liable to a tenant for providing false information to the tenant if the false information was provided to the licensee by the landlord and the licensee did not have actual knowledge that the information was false or act in reckless disregard of the truth. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this section or applicable law. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the right of a prospective tenant to inspect the physical condition of the property. Nothing in this section shall modify or limit in any way the provisions of § 42-1755(f).

    (c) A licensee engaged by a landlord in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law or the brokerage relationship, provide assistance to a tenant, or potential tenant, by performing ministerial acts.   Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with part O of this subchapter shall not be construed to violate the licensee's brokerage relationship with the landlord unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage relationship, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with such tenant or potential tenant.

    (d) A licensee engaged by a landlord does not breach any duty or obligation owed to the landlord by showing alternative properties to prospective tenants, whether as clients or customers, or by representing other landlords who have other properties for lease.

    (e) Licensees shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this section.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.193.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • (a) A licensee engaged by a tenant shall:

    (1) Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage relationship;

    (2) Promote the interests of the tenant by:

    (A) Seeking a lease at a price and with terms acceptable to the tenant; however, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek other properties for the tenant while the tenant is a party to a lease or a letter of intent to lease exists under which the tenant has not yet taken possession, unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship, or unless the lease or the letter of intent to lease so provides;

    (B) Presenting in a timely fashion all written offers or counter-offers to and from the tenant, even when the tenant is already a party to a lease or a letter of intent to lease;

    (C) Disclosing to the tenant material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge, provided that nothing in this section shall amend or limit in any way the provisions of § 42-1755(f); and

    (D) Accounting for in a timely manner all money and property received in which the tenant has or may have an interest;

    (3) Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the tenant consents in writing to the release of such information;

    (4) Exercise ordinary care; and

    (5) Comply with all requirements of this section, fair housing statutes and regulations, and all other applicable statutes and regulations which are not in conflict with this section.

    (b) A licensee engaged by a tenant shall treat all prospective landlords honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this section or applicable law.

    (c) A licensee engaged by a tenant in a real estate transaction may provide assistance to the landlord or prospective landlord by performing ministerial acts. Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed to violate the licensee's brokerage relationship with the tenant unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage relationship, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with the landlord or prospective landlord.

    (d) A licensee engaged by a tenant does not breach any duty or obligation to the tenant by showing properties in which the tenant is interested to other prospective tenants, whether as clients or customers, by representing other tenants looking for the same or other properties to lease, or by representing landlords relative to other properties.

    (e) Licensees shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this section.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.194.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • (a) A licensee engaged to manage real estate shall:

    (1) Perform in accordance with the terms of the property management agreement;

    (2) Exercise ordinary care;

    (3) Disclose in a timely manner to the owner material facts of which the licensee has actual knowledge concerning the property;

    (4) Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the owner consents in writing to the release of such information;

    (5) Account for, in a timely manner, all money and property received in which the owner has or may have an interest; and

    (6) Comply with all requirements of this section, fair housing statutes and regulations, and all other applicable statutes and regulations which are not in conflict with this section.

    (b) Except as provided in the property management agreement, a licensee engaged to manage real estate does not breach any duty or obligation to the owner by representing other owners in the management of other properties.

    (c) A licensee engage to manage real estate may also represent the owner as seller or landlord if he or she enters into a brokerage relationship that so provides; in which case, the licensee shall disclose such brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this section.

    (d) Prior to entering into any brokerage relationship provided for in this section, a licensee shall advise the prospective client of the type of brokerage relationship proposed by the broker, and the broker's compensation, and whether the broker will share such salary or compensation with another broker who may have a brokerage relationship with another party to the transaction.

    (e) The brokerage relationships set forth in this section shall commence at the time that a client engages a licensee and shall continue until (1) completion of performance in accordance with the brokerage relationship; or (2) the earlier of (A) any date of expiration agreed upon by the parties as part of the brokerage relationship or in any amendments thereto; (B) any mutually agreed upon termination of the relationship; (C) a default by any party under the terms of the brokerage relationship; or (D) a termination as set forth in § 47-2853.197(4).

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.195.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • (a) Brokerage relationships shall have a definite termination date; however, if a brokerage relationship does not specify a definite termination date, the brokerage relationship shall terminate 90 days after the date the brokerage relationship was entered into.

    (b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing, a licensee owes no further duties to a client after termination, expiration, or completion of performance of the brokerage relationship, except to account for all moneys and property relating to the brokerage relationship, and keep confidential all personal and financial information received from the client during the course of the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential, unless otherwise provided by law or the client consents in writing to the release of such information.

    (c) Upon having a substantive discussion about a specific property or properties with an actual or prospective buyer or seller who is not the client of the licensee, a licensee shall disclose any broker relationship the licensee has with another party to the transaction. The disclosure shall be made in writing at the earliest practical time, but in no event later than the time when specific real estate assistance is first provided, and shall be substantially in the form determined by the Board by regulation.

    (d) A licensee shall disclose to an actual or prospective landlord or tenant, who is not the client of the licensee, that the licensee has a brokerage relationship with another party or parties to the transaction.   The disclosure shall be in writing and included in all applications for lease or in the lease itself, whichever occurs first.  If the terms of the lease do not provide for disclosure, disclosure shall be made in writing no later than the signing of lease.  This disclosure requirement shall not apply to lessors or lessees in single or multifamily residential units for lease terms of less than 2 months.

    (e) If a licensee's relationship to a client or customer changes, the licensee shall disclose that fact in writing to all clients and customers already involved in the specific contemplated transaction.

    (f) Copies of any disclosures relative to fully executed purchase contracts shall be kept by the licensee for a period of 3 years as proof of having made disclosure, whether or not such disclosure is acknowledged in writing by the party to whom the disclosure was shown or given.

    (g) A licensee may act as a dual representative only with the written consent of all clients to the transaction. The written consent and disclosure of the brokerage relationship as required by this section shall be presumed to have been given as against any client who signs a disclosure as provided in this section.

    (h) The disclosure may be given in combination with other disclosures or provided with other information, but shall be substantially in the form determined by the Board by regulation.

    (i) No cause of action shall arise against a dual representative for making disclosures of brokerage relationships as provided by this section.   A dual representative does not terminate any brokerage relationship by the making of any such allowed or required disclosures of dual representation.

    (j) In any real estate transaction, a licensee may withdraw, without liability, from representing a client who refuses to consent to a disclosed dual representation, thereby terminating the brokerage relationship with such client. Withdrawal shall not prejudice the ability of the licensee to continue to represent the other client in the transaction nor to limit the licensee from representing the client who refused the dual representation in other transactions not involving dual representation.

    (k) A principal or supervising broker may assign different licensees affiliated with the broker as designated representatives to represent different clients in the same transaction to the exclusion of all other licensees in the firm.  Use of designated representatives shall not constitute dual representation if a designated representative is not representing more than one client in a particular real estate transaction;  however, the principal or broker who is supervising the transaction shall be considered a dual representative as provided in this article.   Designated representatives may not disclose, except to the affiliated licensee's broker, personal or financial information received from the clients during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be kept confidential, unless otherwise provided for by law or the client consents in writing to the release of such information.

    (l) Use of designated representatives in a real estate transaction shall be disclosed in accordance with the provisions of this section. Disclosure may be given in combination with other disclosures or provided with other information, but shall be substantially in the form determined by the Board by regulation.

    (m) The payment or promise of payment or compensation to a real estate broker or property manager does not create a brokerage relationship between any broker, seller, landlord, buyer or tenant.

    (n) No licensee representing a buyer or tenant shall be deemed to have a brokerage relationship with a seller, landlord, or other licensee solely by reason of using a common source information company.

    (o) A client is not liable for a misrepresentation made by a licensee in connection with a brokerage relationship, unless the client knew or should have known of the misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or the negligence, gross negligence, or intentional acts of any property manager, broker, or broker's licensee.

    (p) A licensee who has a brokerage relationship with a client and who engages another licensee to assist in providing brokerage services to such client shall not be liable for a misrepresentation made by the other licensee, unless the licensee knew or should have known of the other licensee's misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or the negligence, gross negligence, or intentional acts of the assisting licensee or assisting licensee's licensee.

    (q) Clients and licensees shall be deemed to possess actual knowledge and information only. Knowledge or information between or among clients and licensees shall not be imputed.

    (r) The common law of agency relative to brokerage relationships in real estate transactions to the extent inconsistent with this section shall be expressly abrogated.

    (s) Nothing in this part shall limit the liability between or among clients and licensees in all matters involving unlawful discriminatory housing practices.

    (t) Except as expressly set forth in this subchapter, nothing in this part shall affect a person's right to rescind a real estate transaction or limit the liability of a client for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence, or intentional acts of such client in connection with a real estate transaction, or a licensee for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence, or intentional acts of such licensee in connection with a real estate transaction.

    (u) The criminal penalties provided in § 42-1763 shall not be applicable to violations of this section, which shall be civil and regulatory in nature.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.196.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • In addition to those acts prohibited by other sections of this subchapter, a real estate broker, real estate salesperson or property manager may be subject to disciplinary action, and fines not to exceed $2,500 per violation, if he or she has:

    (1) Made any substantial misrepresentation;

    (2) Made any false promise of a character likely to influence, persuade, or induce;

    (3) Pursued a continued and flagrant course of misrepresentation, or made false promises through agents or salespersons, or advertisement or otherwise;

    (4) Acted, as a broker or salesperson, for more than one party in a transaction without the knowledge of all parties for whom he or she acted;

    (5) As a property manager, disclosed to a third party confidential information which would be injurious concerning the business or personal affairs of a client without prior written consent of the client, except as may be required or compelled by applicable law or rules;

    (6) Accepted a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration as a real estate salesperson for the performance of any of the acts specified in this subchapter from any person, except the broker under whose name he or she is or was licensed at the time the fee, commission, or other valuable consideration was earned;

    (7) As a property manager, failed to maintain accurate accounting records concerning the property managed for the client and failed to keep the records available for inspection by each client;

    (8) Represented or attempted to represent any real estate broker, other than the broker under whose name he or she is licensed, as a real estate salesperson without the express knowledge and written consent of the broker under whose name he or she is licensed;

    (9) Placed an advertisement in any publication, or used a sign or business card which was misleading or which constituted false advertising;

    (10) Failed, within a reasonable time, to account for or to remit any money, valuable document, or other property coming into his or her possession which belongs to others;

    (11) Demonstrated unworthiness or incompetency to act as a real estate broker and real estate salesperson so as to endanger the public interest;

    (12) While acting or attempting to act as agent or broker, purchased or attempted to purchase any business or real estate for himself or herself, either in his or her own name or by use of a straw party, without disclosing that fact to the party he or she represents;

    (13) Been guilty of any other conduct, whether of the same or of a different character from that prescribed in this section, which constituted fraudulent or dishonest dealing;

    (14) Used any trade name or insignia of membership in any real estate organization of which the licensee is not a member;

    (15) Disregarded or violated any provision of this subchapter, the rules issued pursuant to this subchapter, or the code of ethics adopted pursuant to this subchapter;

    (16) Guaranteed, authorized, or permitted any broker or salesperson to guarantee future profits which may result from the resale of real estate or a business or business opportunity, or the goodwill of any existing business;

    (17) Offered any property for rent or otherwise without the written consent of the owner or the owner's authorized agent;

    (18) Offered any property or business for sale or rent or placed a sign on any real estate offering it for sale or for rent without the written consent of the owner or his or her authorized agent;

    (19) Made or accepted a listing contract to sell real estate or a business unless the contract is in writing and provides for a definite termination date which is not subject to prior notice from either party;

    (20) Failed to furnish a copy of any listing, sale, lease, or other contract relevant to a real estate or business transaction to all signatories thereof at the time of execution;

    (21) Accepted compensation from more than one party to a transaction without the knowledge and consent of all other parties to the transaction;

    (22) Failed to keep an escrow or trustee accounting of funds deposited with him or her relating to real estate and business transactions, and to maintain records for a period of 3 years, showing to whom the money belongs, the date of deposit, the date of withdrawal, to whom paid, and other pertinent information as the Board may require by regulation; the records to be made available to the Board on demand or upon written notice given to the depository;

    (23) Commingled escrow or trustee funds held by the licensee with his or her personal funds, other than a nominal amount necessary to keep active the escrow or trustee account;

    (24) Induced any party to a written agreement in a real estate or business sales transaction to break the agreement for the purpose of substituting a new agreement where the substitution is motivated by the personal gain of the concerned licensee;

    (25) As a property manager, refused or prevented, directly or indirectly, a prospective lessee inspection of residential real estate upon reasonable request and scheduling for inspections, for the purpose of reviewing, examining, or having a third party examine the real estate and the conditions of its fixtures;

    (26) Made any oral or written representations, at or prior to conveyance to a prospective lessee or residential real estate that repairs, renovations, improvements, installation, or additions will be made to the property after the conveyance unless all the representations are furnished in writing to the lessee at or prior to the conveyance of the premises;

    (27) Failed to advise the Board in writing within 15 days of the entry of any judgment against the licensee in a civil or criminal proceeding by a court of competent jurisdiction;

    (28) Failed, as a broker, to return immediately to the Mayor the license of a salesperson employed by the broker, wherein the salesperson has been discharged or has terminated his or her employment or affiliation with the broker;

    (29) Failed, as a salesperson, to place in the custody of the employing broker, as soon after receipt as is practicable, all money, valuable documents, or other property entrusted to him or her by any person dealing with him or her as the representative of the broker;

    (30) Accepted, offered, agreed, or attempted to accept, employment for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration for appraising real estate or a business, contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined value;

    (31) Issued an appraisal report on real estate or a business in which the licensee has an undisclosed interest;

    (32) Violated, as determined by the Mayor or a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision of Chapter 14 of this title or the rules issued pursuant to that chapter;

    (33) Violated, as determined by the District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights, as established by Commissioner's Order No. 71-224, effective July 8, 1971, the Mayor, or a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision of Unit A of Chapter 14 of Title 2 or the rules issued pursuant to that chapter, or failed to comply with an order of the District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights, as established by Commissioner's Order No. 71-224, effective July 8, 1971, pursuant to that chapter;

    (34) Violated, as determined by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, established by the Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1983, effective March 31, 1983, the Mayor, or a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision of Chapter 39 of Title 28 of the District of Columbia Official Code, or the rules issued pursuant to that chapter, or failed to comply with an order of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs or its administrative law judge;

    (35) Made any oral or written representations, after or prior to conveyance, to a prospective buyer of a business or residential real estate that repairs, renovations, improvements, installations, or additions will be made to the business or real estate after the conveyance, or continued to act on behalf of a seller who made those representations, unless all the representations are furnished in writing to the buyer at least 5 days prior to the conveyance;

    (36) Entered into or became a party to any contract, agreement, or understanding, or in any manner whatsoever considered, combined, conspired, or acted with another or others:

    (A) To execute a deed or other instrument conveying real estate or a business of any interest therein situated in the District that is not a bona fide sale or transfer, but which is instead a simulated sale or transfer of the real estate, business, or interest therein executed for the purpose and with the intent of defrauding others or misleading others as to the value of the business, real estate or interest therein, and which does so mislead or defraud others, to their detriment; or

    (B) To execute a mortgage, deed of trust, or chattel mortgage upon any real estate, business, or interest therein situated in the District that does not represent security for a bona fide indebtedness, but which is a simulated transaction, executed for the purpose and with the intent of misleading or deceiving others as to the value of a business, real estate, or interest therein and which does mislead, deceive, or defraud others to their detriment;

    (37) Offered, gave, awarded, promised, used any method, scheme or plan, offering, giving, awarding or promising, free lots in connection with the sale or the offering for sale, or attempt to sell or negotiate the sale of any real estate, business, or interest therein, wherever situated, for the purpose of attracting, inducing, persuading, or influencing a purchaser or prospective purchaser; or offered, promised, or gave prizes of any name or nature for attendance at or participation in any sale of any real estate, business, or interest therein, by auction or otherwise including an owner of the real estate, business, or interest therein;

    (38) Knowingly paid a fee, commission, or compensation to anyone for the performance of any service or act within the District defined in this subchapter as the act of a real estate broker or real estate salesperson to any person who was not duly licensed at the time the service or act was performed. This subsection shall not apply to the payment of a referral fee by a real estate broker licensed under this subchapter to a nonresident cooperating real estate broker who is properly licensed in his or her own jurisdiction; or

    (39) Knowingly prepared, distributed, or circulated, or caused the preparation, distribution, or circulation of, any false or misleading advertising in connection with the sale, exchange, purchase, lease, or rental of real estate or business.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.197.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.

  • Current through October 23, 2012 Back to Top
  • Notwithstanding the possibility that a fact may have a psychological impact on a purchaser, lessee, or sublessee, it shall not be a material fact that must be disclosed in a real estate transaction, nor shall it be the basis for a cause of action against an owner of real property, a real estate broker, a real estate salesperson, a property manager, a lessee, or sublessee, that the following information was not disclosed to the purchaser, lessee, or sublessee:

    (1) An occupant of real property, at any time, was infected or was or is suspected to have been infected with a human immune deficiency virus;

    (2) An occupant of real property, at any time, has been diagnosed, was infected, or was suspected to have been diagnosed as having acquired immune deficiency syndrome or any other disease that has been determined by medical evidence to be highly unlikely to be transmitted through occupancy of property alone; or

    (3) The property, at any time, has been or was suspected to have been the site of a suicide, homicide, or other felony.

    (Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142.)

    HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

    Prior Codifications

    1981 Ed., § 47-2853.198.

    Legislative History of Laws

    For legislative history of D.C. Law 12-261, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 47-2801.