On April 1, 2026, the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) is implementing a new, streamlined version of their regulations. The regulations had not been updated for seven (7) years and the result is a more condensed set of regulations that is clearer to understand and removes duplications from the Virginia Annotated Code.
Here are some key updates:
Advertising
- There is no longer a distinction between online, print, or other advertising. The universal requirement for disclosure is simply the firm name and office contact information to be on every advertisement. The one-click-away rule no longer applies. Keep in mind there are additional advertising requirements from the Code of Ethics and your brokerage.
- Licensees are now required to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of the seller or landlord who is hiring you. This is one of the steps the Board has taken to try to combat scams involving the sale of property that have become increasingly prevalent.
Licensing
- Non-licensed individuals working for a broker may now be paid on a per transaction basis rather than only based on a salary or hourly rate. Activities the non-licensed individual may carry out have not changed and are still under the broker’s supervision requirements.
Broker Supervision
- Brokers no longer have a three-day time limit to report escrow non-compliance to the Board. The requirement to self-report is still in place, however, it does not have a specified time limit.
- Brokers are now required to perform a self-audit within 90 days of brokerage license expiration.
- Many of the requirements for broker supervision were also included in the Virginia Annotated Code. Any duplication has been removed from the VREB regulations, and the appropriate code section is referenced.
Click here for more information on these new regulations.
