Pennsylvania Real Estate Law, Rules, and Regulations
Licensing framework
Pennsylvania licensees operate under the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) and the State Real Estate Commission. A salesperson must be affiliated with a licensed broker and may be paid only through that broker. Brokers supervise, maintain escrow accounts, and are responsible for advertising compliance. Licenses renew on a two-year cycle and require continuing education; track mandated topic hours.
Consumer-facing duties
The Consumer Notice explains agency relationships and must be provided early in the relationship. Sellers of residential property generally must provide a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement, which is disclosure-not a warranty or a substitute for inspections. Fair housing and advertising rules apply; ads must identify the brokerage. Earnest money is escrow money: no commingling with business funds.
Traps
A salesperson who accepts a fee directly from a lender, title company, or client violates RELRA. A disclosure statement does not cure a known latent defect if the seller conceals it. Dual agency requires informed written consent; calling a buyer a "customer" does not erase agency duties. An expired license cannot be cured by a broker's supervision.
Worked rule/example
A salesperson helps a buyer and is offered a $500 "thank you" by the buyer's lender. Accepting it is a violation; the payment must go to the broker, who then compensates the salesperson under their agreement. Rule of thumb: when money or agency is unclear, route it through the broker and disclose in writing.