What Is the Texas Real Estate Act (TRELA)?

If you’re a real estate agent in Texas, or you plan to become one, you should know about the Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA)Docs OC Htm OC.1101.htm Statutes.capitol.texas.govDocs OC Htm OC.1101.htm Statutes.capitol.texas.gov. 

In 1939, the Texas Legislature passed the Real Estate Dealers License Act to govern the licensing and practice of real estate in Texas. In 1955, it took on the name Texas Real Estate License Act. 

Today, the Texas Real Estate License Act is found in Chapter 1101Docs OC Htm OC.1101.htm Statutes.capitol.texas.govDocs OC Htm OC.1101.htm Statutes.capitol.texas.gov of the Texas Occupations Code, and it regulates real estate brokers and salespersons. The Act lays out what you need to do to get and keep your Texas real estate licenseTexas How To Get Texas Real Estate License Career Center, including taking required coursework, passing an exam, and maintaining certain standards of professional conduct.

This guide provides an overview of what you need to know about TRELA. If you’re not yet an agent, when you studyTexas Real Estate LicenseTexas Real Estate License for your Texas real estate license, you will learn more about the TRELA rules and how they apply to you.

The Purpose of TRELA

The state legislature of Texas passed the Texas Real Estate License Act to protect the public. It helps ensure that licensed real estate brokers and sales agents are qualified and honest. TRELA sets forth standards of conduct for licensed Texas real estate professionals. These cover a wide range of professional activities.

In addition to the education requirements discussed above, TRELA also regulates how you can advertise your services, work with your customers, and interact with other real estate professionals. The Act also lists penalties for violations.

The Basic Provisions of TRELA

TRELA covers many things that affect the day-to-day professional life of a Texas real estate agent. These include:

• Which real estate activities require a Texas real estate license

• The difference between a salesperson and broker license

• Age, education, and other requirements for obtaining a Texas real estate license

• Exemptions from Texas real estate license requirements

• Active licenses versus inactive licenses

• License expiration and renewal

• Code of ethics and standards of conduct

• License violations and penalties

• The process by which complaints against license holders are filed

• The process by which a license holder can request a hearing 

• Liability

• Compensation requirements and regulations

• Membership of TREC

• Approval and regulation of real estate courses and continuing education

 As you can see, TRELA regulates pretty much every aspect of your real estate practice! 

TRELA Requirements for Earning Your Real Estate Agent's License

TRELA sets the standards for how much training you need to get your Texas real estate sales agent’s license. The TRELA rules require you to complete 180 hoursRules And Laws Trec Rules Agency InformationRules And Laws Trec Rules Agency Information of real estate courses. TRELA also specifies which subjects you need to study and how many course hours are required per subject.

When you take your Texas real estate coursesTexas Courses Required To Earn Texas Real Estate License Career Center from a TREC-approved providerAbout like Aceable, you can be assured that the course program fulfills all the TRELA requirements.

TRELA also requires that you pass an examination before you can get your license. Many students find that a real estate exam prep serviceReal Estate Exam Prep gives them the best chance of passing the test on their first try.

TRELA Requirements for Renewing Your Texas Real Estate Agent’s License

If you already have your license, TRELA sets the rules for how to renew it. The TRELA requirements include continuing educationTexas Real Estate Continuing Education that must be taken before your first renewal. This includes 270 qualifying real estate course hours, including a 30-hour real estate brokerage course, four hours of TREC's Legal Update I, and four hours of TREC's Legal Update II.

If you're an active sales agent, you'll just need to take 18 hours of courseworkReal Estate Sales Agent Renew License. This includes eight hours of TREC Legal Update I and II, three hours of contract-related coursework, and three hours of an elective.

Ethical Standards for Texas Real Estate Agents

TRELA and TREC require licensed agents to be ethical in their professional behavior. Requirements includeRules And Laws Trec Rules Agency InformationRules And Laws Trec Rules Agency Information:

• Acting with integrity

• Representing the interests of your clients

• Being knowledgeable and competent

• Displaying certain consumer information

• Not engaging in discriminatory practices

TRELA vs TREC

The Texas Real Estate License Act is the legislation that governs the licensing of Texas real estate license holders. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), on the other hand, enforces the provisions of TRELA. The Texas legislature created TREC in 1949 for that purpose.

Think of it this way: TRELA is the law, and TREC is the enforcer of that law. TRELA and TREC go hand in hand! TREC also has its own set of additional rulesRegulation Texas Administrative Code Title 22 Examining Boards Part 23 Texas Real Estate Commission Casetext.com for Texas real estate professionals.

Conclusion

The TRELA rules provide guidelines for every step of your Texas real estate career, including what courses you need to take to get your license and renew it. TRELA also sets standards for your professional behavior to help ensure that Texas real estate agents are trustworthy and competent.

For convenient online pre-licensing coursework that meets all the TRELA requirements, check out the popular Aceable Texas real estate coursesTexas Real Estate LicenseTexas Real Estate License, and learn at your own pace!