All REALTORS® are reminded of the importance of understanding the limits of their real estate licence, particularly when dealing with rental properties, where misunderstandings are common.
BCFSA has clarified that trading services licensees may perform certain rental-related tasks that fall within a “trade in real estate.” These include helping landlords or tenants find rental properties and collecting security deposits on behalf of property owners.
However, some activities are restricted to those licensed for rental property management services. These include managing landlord-tenant matters, serving legal notices under the Residential Tenancy Act, handling ongoing tenancy management, and acting as the primary contact between landlords and tenants. Trading services licensees are not permitted to issue end-of-tenancy notices, even when assisting a seller with a tenanted property.
If you are asked to provide services outside the scope of your licence, you must decline. Performing unauthorized services may result in a breach of the Real Estate Services Act and could lead to disciplinary action.
REALTORS® are encouraged to review BCFSA’s guidance to ensure they are operating within their licensed authority. For full details and examples, visit the BCFSA website.