CHAPTER 392*
REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS

      *See chapter 400g (Sec. 20-500 et seq.) re real estate appraisers.

      See Sec. 21a-9 for definition of "certificate", "license", and "registration".

      Constitutionality of chapter discussed. 142 C. 699; 144 C. 647. A broker earns his commission in a real estate transaction when he procures a customer who is ready, willing and able to purchase upon terms prescribed or accepted by the seller. When the agency is not an exclusive one, the broker's efforts must be the predominating producing cause of the sale. 150 C. 59.

      Secs. 20-311-20-329bb cited. 13 CA 527, 531; 14 CA 46, 65.

Table of Contents

Sec. 20-311. Definitions.
Sec. 20-311a. Real Estate Commission.
Sec. 20-311b. Duties of commission.
Sec. 20-311c. Executive director. Expenses of commission members. Records.
Sec. 20-311d. Bond for chairperson.
Sec. 20-311e. Deposit of fees.
Sec. 20-311f. Arbitration of disputes between brokers or salespersons.
Sec. 20-312. Licensing.
Sec. 20-312a. Liability of brokers for salespersons affiliated as independent contractors.
Sec. 20-312b. Licensed real estate broker or real estate salesperson not deemed "employee" under section 31-275.
Sec. 20-313. Application for license.
Sec. 20-314. License qualifications. Examinations. Renewals. Fees. Reinstatement. Hearings.
Sec. 20-314a. Regulations concerning approval of schools. Exemption from experience requirement for certain applicants.
Sec. 20-314b. Validity of license.
Sec. 20-314c. Real estate student intern program. Application. Exemption from license requirements while enrolled in intern program.
Sec. 20-315. Bond.
Sec. 20-316. Grounds for refusal of license.
Sec. 20-317. Persons licensed in another state as a real estate broker or salesperson. Requirements for Connecticut license. Consent to suits and actions.
Sec. 20-318. Certificate.
Sec. 20-319. Renewal. Continuing education requirements. Regulations.
Sec. 20-319a. Change of salesperson's employment or affiliation. Fees.
Sec. 20-320. Suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines.
Sec. 20-320a. Referral of any buyer of real property to an attorney or mortgage broker prohibited, when. Suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines.
Sec. 20-321. Notice and hearing.
Sec. 20-322. Appeal.
Sec. 20-323. Revocation of license upon conviction of crime.
Sec. 20-324. Misrepresentation; penalty.
Sec. 20-324a. Real Estate Guaranty Fund.
Sec. 20-324b. Fee payable to fund.
Sec. 20-324c. Level of guaranty fund. Credits to guaranty fund and General Fund.
Sec. 20-324d. Limitation of actions.
Sec. 20-324e. Procedure.
Sec. 20-324f. Penalty for false or untrue claim.
Sec. 20-324g. Procedure for commission.
Sec. 20-324h. Payment from guaranty fund.
Sec. 20-324i. Regulations.
Sec. 20-324j. Appeal of commission decision, order or regulation.
Sec. 20-324k. Brokers to maintain escrow or trust account for certain moneys held. Disputed deposits.
Sec. 20-325. Engaging in business without license.
Sec. 20-325a. Actions to recover commissions arising out of real estate transactions. Real estate broker's lien for real property. Claim for lien. Provisions re commercial real estate transactions.
Sec. 20-325b. Certain real estate agreements to contain notice regarding commissions. Requirements.
Sec. 20-325c. Real estate broker or salesperson acting as mortgage broker.
Sec. 20-325d. Disclosure of representation.
Sec. 20-325e. Hearings re real property claims for liens. Foreclosures. Judicial intervention.
Sec. 20-325f. Broker subagency. Written consent of client required. Vicarious liability of principal.
Sec. 20-325g. Dual agency consent agreements. Conclusive presumption of informed consent.
Sec. 20-325h. Prohibitions on use or disclosure of confidential information.
Sec. 20-325i. Designated buyer agents and seller agents.
Sec. 20-325j. Regulations re appointment of designated buyer or seller agent.
Sec. 20-325k. Commercial real estate transactions. Notice of commission rights.
Sec. 20-325l. Cooperation with out-of-state brokers and salespersons regarding commercial real estate transactions in this state.
Sec. 20-326. Report to Governor.
Sec. 20-327. Employees.
Sec. 20-327a. Periodic publication of information and material.
Sec. 20-327b. Residential condition reports. Exemption. Regulations.
Sec. 20-327c. Credit due purchaser at closing if report not furnished.
Sec. 20-327d. No new implied or express warranties created. Seller not required to secure inspections, tests or other methods of determining condition of property.
Sec. 20-327e. Seller's representations construed to extend to his actual knowledge only.
Sec. 20-327f. Notice re existence of hazardous waste facilities. Liability not imposed by section. Seller and licensee not required to participate in compiling list of facilities.
Sec. 20-328. Regulations.
Sec. 20-329. Exceptions concerning the licensure of brokers and salespersons.
Sec. 20-329a. Advertising and sale in this state of property in another state: Definitions.
Sec. 20-329b. Excepted activities. Filing fees.
Sec. 20-329c. Secretary as agent for service of process; bond; license required.
Sec. 20-329d. Submission of documents, promotional plan and advertising materials to commission. Filing fees.
Sec. 20-329e. Investigation by commission.
Sec. 20-329f. Issuance of license. Fees.
Sec. 20-329g. Reference to commission in advertising prohibited.
Sec. 20-329h. Rights of purchasers.
Sec. 20-329i. Penalty.
Sec. 20-329j. Commission members may not participate.
Sec. 20-329k. Nonliability of advertising media.
Sec. 20-329l. Appeal.
Sec. 20-329m. Regulations.
Sec. 20-329n. Deposits of purchasers and lessees to be held in escrow.
Sec. 20-329o. Real property securities dealers. Definitions. Certain sales not deemed a sale to the public.
Sec. 20-329p. License and endorsement requirements.
Sec. 20-329q. Statement to purchaser.
Sec. 20-329r. Appraisal of real property.
Sec. 20-329s. Filing and approval of materials to be used by dealer.
Sec. 20-329t. Annual financial report.
Sec. 20-329u. Desist order for violation. Appeal.
Sec. 20-329v. Permit to sell real property security required. Application.
Sec. 20-329w. Issuance or denial of permit. Limitation of commission's authority. Hearing.
Sec. 20-329x. Prohibited acts. Penalty.
Sec. 20-329y. Civil action for injury from transaction.
Sec. 20-329z. Regulations.
Sec. 20-329aa. Appeal.
Sec. 20-329bb. Exemptions.
Sec. 20-329cc. "Nonmaterial fact concerning real property" defined.
Sec. 20-329dd. Nonmaterial fact concerning real property. No disclosure required. No cause of action.
Sec. 20-329ee. Purchaser or lessee may request written disclosure of property's status re homicide, other felony or suicide.
Sec. 20-329ff. Legal rights retained for physical deficiencies.
Sec. 20-329gg. Exemptions. Federal transactions.

      Sec. 20-311. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

      (1) "Real estate broker" or "broker" means (A) any person, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation which acts for another person or entity and for a fee, commission or other valuable consideration, lists for sale, sells, exchanges, buys or rents, or offers or attempts to negotiate a sale, exchange, purchase or rental of, an estate or interest in real estate, or a resale of a mobile manufactured home, as defined in subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or collects or offers or attempts to collect rent for the use of real estate, and (B) any person, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation employed by or on behalf of the owner or owners of lots or other parcels of real estate, at a stated salary, upon commission, upon a salary and commission basis or otherwise to sell such real estate, or any parts thereof, in lots or other parcels, and who sells or exchanges, or offers, attempts or agrees to negotiate the sale or exchange of, any such lot or parcel of real estate;

      (2) "Real estate salesperson" or "salesperson" means a person affiliated with any real estate broker as an independent contractor or employed by a real estate broker to list for sale, sell or offer for sale, to buy or offer to buy or to negotiate the purchase or sale or exchange of real estate, or to offer for resale, a mobile manufactured home, as defined in subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or to lease or rent or offer to lease, rent or place for rent any real estate, or to collect or offer or attempt to collect rent for the use of real estate for or on behalf of such real estate broker, or who offers, sells or attempts to sell the real estate or mobile manufactured homes of a licensed broker, or acting for another as a designated seller agent or designated buyer agent, lists for sale, sells, exchanges, buys or rents, or offers or attempts to negotiate a sale, exchange, purchase or rental of, an estate or interest in real estate, or a resale of a mobile manufactured home, as defined in subsection (a) of section 21-64, or collects or offers or attempts to collect rent for the use of real estate, but does not include employees of any real estate broker whose principal occupation is clerical work in an office, or janitors or custodians engaged principally in that occupation;

      (3) "Engaging in the real estate business" means acting for another and for a fee, commission or other valuable consideration in the listing for sale, selling, exchanging, buying or renting, or offering or attempting to negotiate a sale, exchange, purchase or rental of, an estate or interest in real estate or a resale of a mobile manufactured home, as defined in subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or collecting upon a loan secured or to be secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance upon or transfer of real estate;

      (4) "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation;

      (5) "Commission" means the Connecticut Real Estate Commission appointed under the provisions of section 20-311a;

      (6) "Designated agency" means the appointment by a real estate broker of one or more brokers or salespersons affiliated with or employed by the real estate broker to solely represent a buyer or tenant as a designated buyer's agent and appoint another to represent a seller or landlord as a designated seller's agent in a transaction;

      (7) "Designated buyer agent" means a broker or salesperson designated by the real estate broker with whom the broker or salesperson is affiliated or employed to solely represent a named buyer or tenant client of the real estate broker during the term of a buyer representation agreement or authorization;

      (8) "Designated seller agent" means a broker or salesperson designated by the real estate broker with whom the broker or salesperson is affiliated or employed to solely represent a named seller or landlord client of the real estate broker during the term of a listing agreement or authorization; and

      (9) "Commercial real estate transaction" means any transaction involving the sale, exchange, lease or sublease of real property other than real property containing any building or structure occupied or intended to be occupied by no more than four families or a single building lot to be used for family or household purposes.

      (1953, 1955, S. 2339d; 1967, P.A. 460, S. 7; P.A. 73-163, S. 1; P.A. 78-147, S. 1; P.A. 81-142; P.A. 82-472, S. 88, 183; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-3, S. 1; P.A. 87-260, S. 1; P.A. 88-329, S. 1, 15; P.A. 89-347, S. 8; P.A. 90-332, S. 1, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 1, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 1, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 95-79, S. 65, 189; P.A. 96-200, S. 2; P.A. 98-10, S. 1; P.A. 99-229, S. 1; P.A. 00-160, S. 1.)

      History: 1967 act updated statute to delete definition for insurance commissioner in Subsec. (e) and substituted real estate commission to which his duties and powers re real estate brokers and salesmen were transferred; P.A. 73-163 specified real estate broker as one who lists property "with a referral service" in Subsec. (a); P.A. 78-147 redefined real estate salesman to include persons "affiliated with any real estate broker as an independent contractor"; P.A. 81-142 added references to sales of mobile homes in definitions; P.A. 82-472 replaced alphabetic Subdiv. indicators with numeric indicators; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-3 changed references in Subdivs. (1), (2) and (3) to mobile home or homes to references to mobile manufactured home or homes; P.A. 87-260 amended the definition of "real estate broker" to delete provision including within said definition any person who engages in the business, for a fee, in connection with a contract whereby he undertakes to promote the sale of real estate through listing such property with a referral service or in certain publications, amended the definition of "real estate salesman" to delete provision including within said definition any person who in behalf of a real estate broker solicits contracts undertaking the promotion of the sale of real estate through listing such property in certain publications, and amended the definition of "engaging in the real estate business" to delete provision including within said definition engaging in the business, for a fee, in connection with any contract whereby any person undertakes to promote the sale of real estate through listing such property in certain publications; P.A. 88-329 inserted new Subdivs. (4) to (8), inclusive, defining "real estate appraiser", "residential appraiser", "engaging in the real estate appraisal business" and "engaging in the residential appraisal business", renumbering existing Subdivs. as necessary, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 89-347 amended the definitions of "real estate broker", "real estate salesman" and "engaging in the real estate business" by deleting the references to offering or attempting negotiate loans; P.A. 90-332 added new Subdiv. (5), defining "real estate appraiser trainee", inserted new Subdivs. (10) to (14), inclusive, defining "appraisal foundation", "certification", "federally related transaction", "general certification" and "residential certification", and renumbered the remaining Subdivs. as necessary; P.A. 91-229 amended the definition of "real estate appraiser" to include licensure and certification, deleted the reference to "residential appraiser" under "real estate appraiser trainee", deleted the definition of "residential appraiser" and added the definitions of "licensed appraiser", "certified appraiser", "FDIC" and "FIRREA", deleted references to "engaging in the residential appraisal business", "certification", "general certification" and "residential certification", made technical corrections and relettered the remaining Subsecs.; P.A. 93-354 deleted former Subdivs. (4) to (8), inclusive, and (10) to (13), inclusive, which had defined terms applicable to real estate appraisal (see Sec. 20-500), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 95-79 redefined "real estate broker" and "person" to include a limited liability company, effective May 31, 1995; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman" in Subdiv. (2); P.A. 98-10 defined "commission" and made technical changes; P.A. 99-229 amended definition of "real estate broker" or "broker" to substitute "any person, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation which acts for another person or entity ..." for "any person, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation which, for another ...", amended definition of "real estate salesperson" or "salesperson" to reference actions for another as a designated seller agent or designated buyer agent, and added definitions of "designated agency", "designated buyer agent" and "designated seller agent"; P.A. 00-160 added new Subdiv. (9) defining "commercial real estate transaction".

      Constitutionality discussed. 142 C. 699. When probate court directs a private sale, the superior court can only determine whether its discretion has been reasonably and legally exercised. 143 C. 716. Those portions of section classifying one listing property in publication for promotion of sales or referral of information to licensed real estate brokers as engaged in real estate business, held unconstitutional. 144 C. 659. Cited. 169 C. 445, 448-451.

      Cited. 3 CA 675, 676.

      Cited. 35 CS 24, 25.

      Rights and duties of broker employed to secure loan depend on same principles as when employed to find purchaser of property. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 415.

      Former Subsec. (d):

      Cited. 184 C. 228, 230.

      Subdiv. (1):

      Cited. 218 C. 396, 399.

      Subdiv. (3):

      Cited. 34 CA 250, 254.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311a. Real Estate Commission. (a) There is created in the Department of Consumer Protection the Connecticut Real Estate Commission.

      (b) The commission shall consist of eight persons, electors of the state, appointed by the Governor. Three of the members shall be at the time of appointment licensed real estate brokers, two of the members shall be at the time of appointment licensed real estate salespersons and three of the members shall be public members. Not more than a bare majority of the commission shall be members of the same political party and there shall be at least one member from each congressional district.

      (c) The members of the commission shall serve until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed and until their successors have qualified. Members shall not be compensated for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The Governor may remove any member for cause upon notice and an opportunity to be heard. Upon the death, resignation or removal of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the unexpired portion of the vacated term and until such member's successor is appointed and qualifies. Each member shall, before entering upon his duties, take and file with the commission an oath to faithfully perform the duties of his office.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 1; P.A. 77-614, S. 220, 610; Nov. Sp. Sess. P.A. 81-11, S. 10, 19; P.A. 82-422, S. 4, 14; P.A. 88-329, S. 2, 15; P.A. 89-249, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-332, S. 2, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 2, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 2, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 3; P.A. 98-10, S. 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 placed real estate commission within consumer protection department, changed membership requirement that four members be real estate brokers so that three members are brokers and two are public members and deleted provision establishing five year terms, effective January 1, 1979; Nov. Sp. Sess. P.A. 81-11 added provision specifying that members receive no compensation but are to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in performing their duties; P.A. 82-422 increased commission membership from five to seven members, deleted ten years' experience requirement, and added requirement that one member be a licensed real estate broker and one a licensed real estate salesman; P.A. 88-329 increased the size of the commission from seven to twelve persons, providing for members engaged in the real estate appraisal and residential appraisal business and adding an additional public member, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 89-249 increased to four the number of members who may reside in the same congressional district and required that each district be represented by at least one member; P.A. 90-332 added provisions creating real estate appraisal commission and decreased the number of real estate commission members from twelve to eight, increased the number of real estate salesmen on the real estate commission from one to two and added a provision for three public members to sit on the real estate commission; P.A. 91-229 eliminated the reference to residential appraisers and added references to real estate appraisers and certified appraisers; P.A. 93-354 deleted former Subsec. (c) re real estate commission and references to the commission in remaining Subsecs., relettering former Subsec. (d) as (c) (see Sec. 20-502), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "salespersons" for "salesmen"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      See title 2c re termination under "Sunset Law".

      See Sec. 4-9a for definition of "public member".

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311b. Duties of commission. (a) Within thirty days after the appointment of the members of the commission, the commission shall meet in the city of Hartford for the purpose of organizing by selecting such officers other than a chairperson as the commission may deem necessary and appropriate. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the exercise of the powers or authority conferred upon it.

      (b) (1) The commission shall authorize the Department of Consumer Protection to issue licenses to real estate brokers and real estate salespersons. The commission shall receive and approve applications for real estate student intern programs pursuant to the provisions of section 20-314c.

      (2) The commission shall administer the provisions of this chapter as to licensure and issuance, renewal, suspension or revocation of licenses concerning the real estate business.

      (c) The commission shall be provided with the necessary office space in Hartford by the Commissioner of Public Works. The place of business of the commission and all files, records and property of the commission shall at all times be and remain at such office, except that inactive files shall be stored at a location designated by the commission.

      (d) The commission shall hold meetings and hearings in Hartford, in space provided by the Commissioner of Administrative Services, or at such places outside of Hartford as shall be determined by the chairman of the commission. The commission shall meet at least once in each three-month period and may meet more often at the call of its chairman. The chairman of the commission shall call a meeting of the commission whenever requested to do so by a majority of the members of the commission.

      (e) The commission shall vote on all matters requiring a decision and votes shall be recorded in the commission's minutes.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 2; P.A. 77-89; 77-614, S. 73, 610; P.A. 79-74, S. 2; P.A. 81-361, S. 18, 39; P.A. 82-422, S. 5, 14; P.A. 87-496, S. 88, 110; P.A. 88-329, S. 3, 15; P.A. 90-332, S. 3, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 3, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 3, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 4; P.A. 98-10, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 77-89 amended Subsec. (c) to add exception re storage of inactive files; P.A. 77-614 replaced public works commissioner with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 79-74 gave commission power to receive and approve applications for real estate student intern programs; P.A. 81-361 amended Subsec. (b) to allow the department to issue licenses upon commission's authorization on and after July 1, 1981, and to delete provision empowering commission to do all things necessary or convenient for carrying into effect the chapter's provisions; P.A. 82-422 amended section to provide for meetings upon request of a majority of commission members, rather than upon request of two or more members, and to require recorded votes on all matters requiring a decision in new Subsec. (e); P.A. 87-496 substituted "public works" for "administrative services" commissioner in Subsec. (c); P.A. 88-329 amended Subsec. (a) and inserted a new Subsec. (c) establishing quorum requirements for matters concerning the licensing of real estate brokers and salesmen and matters concerning the licensing of real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, amended Subsec. (b) empowering the commission to authorize the department of consumer protection to issue licenses to real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, and relettered existing Subsecs. as necessary, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 90-332 established the duties for each commission re meetings, majority necessary for a quorum, certification, licensing procedures, office space, record-keeping, and filing; P.A. 91-229 amended Subsec. (b) by eliminating the references to residential appraisers and general and residential certification for appraisers and all other references to the real estate appraisal commission and added a new Subsec. (c) re licensure and certification for real estate appraisers; P.A. 93-354 deleted Subsec. (c) re licensing authority of real estate appraisal commission, relettering remaining Subsecs. as necessary, and deleted references to the commission elsewhere in the section (see Sec. 20-503), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "salespersons" for "salesmen"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      See chapter 826 re real estate syndicates.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311c. Executive director. Expenses of commission members. Records. Section 20-311c is repealed.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 3; 1971, P.A. 718, S. 1; P.A. 77-614, S. 128, 221, 610; P.A. 80-205, S. 5.)

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311d. Bond for chairperson. The chairperson of the commission shall be bonded under the provisions of section 4-20, in such sum as the State Insurance and Risk Management Board may prescribe, with the condition that the chairperson faithfully perform the duties of the office and account for all funds received pursuant to the office.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 222, 610; P.A. 90-332, S. 4, 32; P.A. 93-354, S. 4, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 4; P.A. 99-51, S. 7, 9; 99-145, S. 20, 23.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 deleted requirement that executive director be bonded, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 90-332 required the chairmen of the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission to each be bonded; P.A. 93-354 made technical change in keeping with separation of statutory provisions concerning the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission (see Sec. 20-505), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 99-51 substituted "State Insurance and Risk Management Board" for "State Insurance Purchasing Board", substituted "chairperson" for "chairman" and substituted "the office" for "his office" and "such office", effective May 27, 1999; P.A. 99-145 reiterated board name change, effective June 8, 1999.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311e. Deposit of fees. The commission shall deposit all moneys received by it from fees in accordance with the provisions of this chapter with the State Treasurer, and they shall, except as to that portion thereof required to be paid over to The University of Connecticut under the provisions of section 10a-125, or that portion required to be paid to the Real Estate Guaranty Fund pursuant to this chapter, become part of the General Fund.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 5; P.A. 90-332, S. 5, 32; P.A. 93-354, S. 5, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 99-231, S. 6, 7.)

      History: P.A. 90-332 required the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission to deposit moneys received in a manner consistent with the statutory authority of Sec. 4-20; P.A. 93-354 made technical change in keeping with separation of statutory provisions concerning the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission (see Sec. 20-506), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 99-231 added provision re portion required to be paid to Real Estate Guaranty Fund, effective June 29, 1999.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-311f. Arbitration of disputes between brokers or salespersons. The commission shall have the power to act as a board of arbitration to consider and decide any dispute over commissions arising between brokers or salespersons that is voluntarily submitted to the commission by the parties to such dispute.

      (1967, P.A. 460, S. 6; P.A. 96-200, S. 5; P.A. 98-10, S. 5.)

      History: P.A. 96-200 substituted "salespersons" for "salesmen"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-312. Licensing. (a) No person shall act as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson without a license issued by the commission, unless exempt under this chapter. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may enter into any contract for the purpose of administratively processing the renewal of licenses on behalf of the commission.

      (b) No partnership, association or corporation shall be granted a real estate broker's license, unless every member or officer of such partnership, association or corporation who actively participates in its real estate brokerage business holds a license as a real estate broker, and unless every employee who acts as salesperson for such partnership, association or corporation and every salesperson who is affiliated with such partnership, association or corporation as an independent contractor holds a license as a real estate salesperson. A partnership, association or corporation shall designate in its application the individual who is to serve as broker under the license.

      (1953, S. 2341d; P.A. 78-147, S. 2; P.A. 88-329, S. 4, 15; P.A. 90-332, S. 6, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 4, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 6, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 95-198, S. 1; P.A. 96-200, S. 6; P.A. 98-10, S. 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 78-147 required that all salesmen affiliated as independent contractors with partnerships, firms, etc. be licensed before license granted to the partnership, firm, etc.; P.A. 88-329 required real estate appraisers and residential appraisers to be licensed, and established requirements for the licensing of partnerships, associations and corporations engaged in the real estate appraisal and residential appraisal business, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 90-332 added a provision for certification to the licensing requirement for the real estate appraisal commission; P.A. 91-229 in Subsec. (a) deleted the reference to "residential appraiser", in Subsec. (c) deleted the reference to "is certified" and substituted "certification" and deleted Subsec. (d) which had required individuals in partnership, association or corporation to be licensed as a condition for licensure of any partnership, association or corporation to engage in residential appraisal business; P.A. 93-354 deleted Subsec. (c) which had required that all members and officers of real estate appraisal business hold license or certificate before the business itself could be granted a license and deleted references elsewhere in the section to real estate appraisers (see Sec. 20-501), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 95-158 added a provision to allow the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to enter into a contract to administratively process the renewal of licenses on behalf of the Real Estate Commission; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes in Subsec. (a); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Consumer Protection with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Constitutional. 142 C. 699. Cited. 144 C. 647. Cited. 218 C. 396, 399-401.

      Cited. 5 CA 76, 77. Cited. 36 CA 653, 662.

      Cited. 26 CS 195. Cited 38 CS 509, 511.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-312a. Liability of brokers for salespersons affiliated as independent contractors. In any action brought by a third party against a real estate salesperson affiliated with a real estate broker as an independent contractor, such broker shall be liable to the same extent as if such affiliate had been employed as a real estate salesperson by such broker.

      (P.A. 78-147, S. 3; P.A. 96-200, S. 7.)

      History: P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman".

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-312b. Licensed real estate broker or real estate salesperson not deemed "employee" under section 31-275. A licensed real estate broker or real estate salesperson shall not be considered an employee under the provisions of section 31-275 if substantially all of the remuneration for the services performed by such broker or salesperson, whether paid in cash or otherwise, is directly related to sales or other output rather than to the number of hours worked, and such services are performed by the broker or salesperson pursuant to a written contract that contains the following provisions:

      (1) The broker or salesperson, for purposes of workers' compensation, is engaged as an independent contractor associated with the person for whom services are performed;

      (2) The broker or salesperson shall be paid a commission based on his gross sales, if any, without deduction for taxes, which commission shall be directly related to sales or other output;

      (3) The broker or salesperson shall not receive any remuneration related to the number of hours worked and shall not be treated as an employee with respect to such services for purposes of workers' compensation;

      (4) The broker or salesperson shall be permitted to work any hours he chooses;

      (5) The broker or salesperson shall be permitted to work out of his own home or the office of the person for whom services are performed;

      (6) The broker or salesperson shall be free to engage in outside employment;

      (7) The person for whom the services are performed may provide office facilities and supplies for the use of the broker or salesperson, but the broker or salesperson shall otherwise pay his own expenses, including, but not limited to, automobile, travel and entertainment expenses; and

      (8) The contract may be terminated by either party at any time upon notice given to the other.

      (P.A. 91-364; P.A. 93-354, S. 7, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 8.)

      History: P.A. 93-354 deleted references to real estate appraisers throughout section (see Sec. 20-507), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman".

      Cited. 231 C. 690, 699.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-313. Application for license. Any person possessing the qualifications prescribed in this chapter, and in any regulations adopted under this chapter, who desires to engage in the real estate business shall make application, in writing, as provided in this chapter, to the commission for the specific license desired.

      (1953, S. 2342d; P.A. 88-329, S. 5, 15; P.A. 91-229, S. 5, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 8, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 7.)

      History: P.A. 88-329 required an application to the commission for a license to engage in the real estate appraisal business or the residential appraisal business, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 91-229 eliminated the reference to "the residential appraisal business" and required an application to the appropriate commission for the specific license or certification to engage in the real estate business or the real estate appraisal business; P.A. 93-354 deleted references to real estate appraisal (see Sec. 20-508), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes.

      Cited. 144 C. 647. Cited. 218 C. 396, 400.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-314. License qualifications. Examinations. Renewals. Fees. Reinstatement. Hearings. (a) Licenses shall be granted under this chapter only to persons who bear a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness and fair dealing and who are competent to transact the business of a real estate broker or real estate salesperson in such manner as to safeguard the interests of the public.

      (b) Each application for a license or for a renewal thereof shall be made in writing, on such forms and in such manner as is prescribed by the Department of Consumer Protection and accompanied by such evidence in support of such application as is prescribed by the commission. The commission may require such information with regard to an applicant as the commission deems desirable, with due regard to the paramount interests of the public, as to the honesty, truthfulness, integrity and competency of the applicant and, where the applicant is a corporation, association or partnership, as to the honesty, truthfulness, integrity and competency of the officers of such corporation or the members of such association or partnership.

      (c) In order to determine the competency of any applicant for a real estate broker's license or a real estate salesperson's license the commission shall, on payment to the commission of an application fee of sixty dollars by an applicant for a real estate broker's license or on payment to the commission of an application fee of forty dollars by an applicant for a real estate salesperson's license, subject such applicant to personal written examination as to the applicant's competency to act as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson, as the case may be. Such examination shall be prepared by the Department of Consumer Protection or by a national testing service designated by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection and shall be administered to applicants by the Department of Consumer Protection or by such testing service at such times and places as the commissioner may deem necessary. The commission may waive the uniform portion of the written examination requirement in the case of an applicant who has taken the national testing service examination in another state within two years from the date of application and has received a score deemed satisfactory by the commission. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, establishing passing scores for examinations. In addition to such application fee, applicants taking the examination administered by a national testing service shall be required to pay directly to such testing service an examination fee covering the cost of such examination. Each payment of such application fee shall entitle the applicant to take such examination four times within the one-year period from the date of payment. Eligibility to take such examination may be renewed annually upon payment of an additional five-dollar fee.

      (d) (1) Each applicant for a real estate broker's license shall, before being admitted to such examination, prove to the satisfaction of the commission: (A) (i) That the applicant has been actively engaged for at least two years as a licensed real estate salesperson under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker in this state, (ii) that the applicant has successfully completed a course approved by the commission in real estate principles and practices of at least sixty classroom hours of study, (iii) that the applicant has successfully completed a course approved by the commission in real estate appraisal consisting of at least thirty classroom hours of study, and (iv) that the applicant has successfully completed a course approved by the commission consisting of at least thirty classroom hours as prescribed by the commission, or (B) that the applicant has equivalent experience or education as determined by the commission.

      (2) Each applicant for a real estate salesperson's license shall, before being admitted to such examination, prove to the satisfaction of the commission (A) that the applicant has successfully completed a course approved by the commission in real estate principles and practices consisting of at least sixty classroom hours of study, or (B) that the applicant has equivalent experience or education as determined by the commission.

      (e) The provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall not apply to any renewal of a real estate broker's license, or a real estate salesperson's license issued prior to October 1, 1973.

      (f) All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire annually. At the time of application for a real estate broker's license, there shall be paid to the commission, for each individual applicant and for each proposed active member or officer of a firm, partnership, association or corporation, the sum of four hundred fifty dollars, and for the annual renewal thereof, the sum of three hundred dollars and for a real estate salesperson's license two hundred twenty-five dollars and for the annual renewal thereof the sum of two hundred twenty-five dollars. Three dollars of each such annual renewal fee shall be payable to the Real Estate Guaranty Fund established pursuant to section 20-324a. If a license is not issued, the fee shall be returned. A real estate broker's license issued to any partnership, association or corporation shall entitle the individual designated in the application, as provided in section 20-312, upon compliance with the terms of this chapter, but without the payment of any further fee, to perform all of the acts of a real estate broker under this chapter on behalf of such partnership, association or corporation. Any license which expires and is not renewed pursuant to this subsection may be reinstated by the commission, if, not later than two years after the date of expiration, the former licensee pays to the commission for each real estate broker's license the sum of three hundred dollars and for each real estate salesperson's license the sum of two hundred twenty-five dollars for each year or fraction thereof from the date of expiration of the previous license to the date of payment for reinstatement, except that any licensee whose license expired after such licensee entered military service shall be reinstated without payment of any fee if an application for reinstatement is filed with the commission within two years after the date of expiration. Any such reinstated license shall expire on the next succeeding April thirtieth.

      (g) Any person whose application has been filed as provided in this section and who is refused a license shall be given notice and afforded an opportunity for hearing as provided in the regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection.

      (1953, 1955, S. 2343d; 1959, P.A. 349, S. 1; 462, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 159; February, 1965, P.A. 621, S. 6; 1967, P.A. 445, S. 1, 2; 1969, P.A. 12, S. 1; 398, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 381, S. 1; June, 1971, P.A. 8, S. 92; 1972, P.A. 223, S. 23; P.A. 73-163, S. 2; 73-259, S. 3, 4; 73-616, S. 42; P.A. 77-614, S. 223, 224, 610; P.A. 80-150, S. 1, 2; P.A. 81-361, S. 19, 39; P.A. 82-165; 82-422, S. 6, 14; P.A. 84-140; P.A. 85-41; 85-613, S. 54, 154; P.A 88-329, S. 6, 15; P.A. 89-251, S. 125, 203; P.A. 90-332, S. 7, 31, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 6, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 9, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 13, 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 9; P.A. 98-10, S. 8; P.A. 99-231, S. 2, 7; P.A. 03-14, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c), (d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: 1959 acts amended Subsec. (c) to provide for examination fee and waiting period for reexamination and amended Subsec. (d) by increasing fee for broker's license from fifteen dollars, doubling salesman's fee and deleting special fees for licenses held six months or less; 1961 act amended Subsec. (c) by restating and clarifying provision allowing applicants to take examination three times for each five-dollar fee paid and reducing maximum waiting period for reexamination from six to five months; 1965 act increased broker's license fee in Subsec. (d) from twenty-five dollars; 1967 act amended Subsec. (c) to add prerequisites for examination and stating that provisions of Subsec. (c) do not apply to renewals of broker's licenses; 1969 acts amended Subsec. (c) to raise application fee from five to fifteen dollars for broker's license and from five to ten dollars for salesman's license and to impose extra five-dollar charge for second and following reexaminations and amended Subsec. (d) to reflect change from annual to biennial renewal as of October 1, 1969, doubling fees accordingly and adding proviso re licenses which will expire less than one year after issuance; 1971 acts deleted "and without furnishing a separate bond" in Subsec. (d) re entitlements of partnership, corporation, etc. upon receipt of its broker's license, deleted obsolete reference to October 1, 1969, established fee differential between initial license and renewals, raising initial license fee for broker's license from seventy to one hundred fifty dollars and setting renewal fee of two hundred dollars and raising initial fee for salesman's license from twenty to seventy-five dollars and setting renewal fee of one hundred fifty dollars; 1972 act amended Subsec. (d) to reflect return to annual renewal, halving fees accordingly and changing renewal date from September thirtieth to April thirtieth; P.A. 73-163 amended Subsec. (c) to require that all prerequisites be met where previously one was required and to revise prerequisites for broker's license amending Subdiv. (1) to require two years, rather than one year, as salesman and to delete study course of twenty-four hours, amending Subdiv. (2) to require thirty, rather than twenty-four class room hours and to delete requirement for high school diploma, amending Subdiv. (3) to require thirty, rather than twenty-four classroom hours in real estate "appraisal" rather than in "principles and practices" and to delete requirement for twenty-four additional hours, replacing previous Subdiv. (4) now contained in Subdiv. (1) with new Subdiv. (4) requiring thirty-hour course of study, to add prerequisites for salesman's license and to exempt from provisions licenses issued before October 1, 1973; P.A. 73-259 added proviso in Subsec. (d) covering interim period created by switch from biennial to annual renewal; P.A. 73-616 amended Subsec. (c) to raise application fee from five to fifteen dollars for broker's license and from five to ten dollars for salesman's license, reaffirming changes made in 1969 which apparently were never enacted; P.A. 77-614 clarified responsibilities for examinations dividing duties between commission and consumer protection department in Subsec. (c) and replaced notice and hearing provisions in Subsec. (e) with statement that notice and hearing shall be as provided in consumer protection commissioner's regulations, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 80-150 amended Subsec. (c) to include provisions for alternative examinations by national testing service and to delete provision re five-dollar fee for second and subsequent reexaminations; P.A. 81-361 specified that application forms are to be prescribed by the department rather than by commission on and after July 1, 1981; P.A. 82-165 permitted the real estate commission to waive the national testing service portion of the examination if the applicant received a satisfactory score on such exam taken in another state within two years of his application date; P.A. 82-422 amended Subsec. (c) to require commissioner to establish passing scores for examination; P.A. 84-140 amended Subsec. (d) to allow for the reinstatement of expired licenses; P.A. 85-41 amended Subsec. (c) to allow the applicant to take the examination four, rather than three, times per year, and eliminated the commission's authority to require a waiting period before reexamining an applicant; P.A. 85-613 made technical changes, deleting obsolete provisions re licenses issued prior to May 1, 1973; P.A. 88-329 amended section to establish license qualifications, examination requirements, renewal and reinstatement procedures, fees and the right to a hearing for real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 89-251 amended Subsec. (c) to increase the examination fee for a real estate broker's license or a real estate appraiser's license from fifteen dollars to sixty dollars and to increase the examination fee for a real estate salesman's license or residential real estate appraiser's license from ten dollars to forty dollars and amended Subsec. (f) to increase the fee for a real estate broker's license or real estate appraiser's license from one hundred fifty dollars to four hundred fifty dollars to increase the fee for a real estate salesman's license or a residential real estate appraiser's license from seventy-five dollars to two hundred twenty-five dollars to increase the reinstatement fee for a real estate broker's license or a real estate appraiser's license from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars and to increase the reinstatement fee for a real estate salesman's license or a residential appraiser's license from seventy-five dollars to two hundred twenty-five dollars; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission, to add provisions re licensing, certification, examinations and educational requirements for general certified and residential certified appraisers and changed the expiration date for all licenses to April thirtieth of each year; P.A. 91-229 amended the section to clarify the licensing, education and certification of residential and general appraisers, made provisions for out-of-state residential and general appraisers, deleted the references to general certified and residential certified appraisers, simplified the application and fee structure for appraisers and real estate salesmen and brokers, added a requirement that the commissioner of consumer protection make a roster of the real estate appraisers and submit it to the appropriate federal regulatory agency and added provision specifying that real estate salesmen and brokers seeking a residential appraiser's license or renewal, with the proper educational and experience requirements, shall not be required to pay the fee for such license or renewal until April 30, 1992; P.A. 93-354 deleted former Subdivs. (3) and (4) in Subsec. (d) re qualifications for general appraiser's and residential appraiser's licenses, deleted former Subsec. (f) re qualifications for real estate appraiser's certificate, relettering Subsecs. (g) and (h) as (f) and (g), deleted provisions re appraisers' license and certificate fees in relettered Subsec. (f) and deleted all other references to real estate appraisers throughout section (see Sec. 20-509), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 amended Subsec. (g) to delete the specific license renewal date of "April thirtieth", effective January 1, 1995, and changed effective date of P.A. 94-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 99-231 amended Subsec. (f) to add provision that three dollars of renewal fee is payable to Real Estate Guaranty Fund, effective June 29, 1999; P.A. 03-14 amended Subsec. (d) to substitute "sixty classroom hours" for "thirty classroom hours", effective October 1, 2004; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Commissioner and Department of Consumer Protection with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      See Sec. 10a-125 re use of real estate brokers' license fees for maintenance of University of Connecticut Center for Real Estate and Urban Studies.

      See Sec. 21a-10(b) re staggered schedule for license renewals.

      Cited. 144 C. 647.

      Cited. 36 CS 217, 218.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-314a. Regulations concerning approval of schools. Exemption from experience requirement for certain applicants. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with the advice and assistance of the commission, may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, relating to the approval of schools offering courses in real estate principles and practice and related subjects, or real estate student intern programs, the content of such courses or programs and the advertising to the public of the services of such schools. Such regulations shall not require approval of instructors at such schools. The commission may exempt any applicant for a real estate broker's license from the requirements concerning experience under the provisions of subsection (d) of section 20-314, if the commission determines that such applicant is unable to meet such requirements solely because such applicant has been subjected to discrimination based on race, creed or color, which discrimination interfered with such applicant's ability to meet such requirements.

      (1967, P.A. 445, S. 3; P.A. 77-614, S. 225, 610; P.A. 79-74, S. 3; P.A. 82-422, S. 7, 14; P.A. 90-332, S. 8, 32; P.A. 93-354, S. 10, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 9; P.A. 03-71, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 transferred power to make regulations from commission to consumer protection commissioner, retaining commission in advisory role, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-74 added reference to regulation of student intern programs; P.A. 82-422 specified that regulations do not require approval of instructors at real estate schools; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission; P.A. 93-354 deleted reference to advisory role of real estate appraisal commission in making regulations governing real estate education (see Sec. 20-512), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-258; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 03-71 deleted "such reasonable" and "as the commissioner deems necessary" re adoption of regulations; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Consumer Protection with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Cited. 39 CS 99, 100.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-314b. Validity of license. Any person licensed under this chapter shall be permitted to perform the work covered by such license in any municipality of this state without further examination or licensing by such municipality.

      (P.A. 78-63, S. 1, 2; P.A. 91-229, S. 7, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 11, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42.)

      History: P.A. 91-229 added "certification" as a requirement for performance of work as a real estate appraiser to comply with federal regulations; P.A. 93-354 deleted references to certification, reflecting separation of statutory provisions concerning real estate commission and real estate appraisal commission (see Sec. 20-513), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-314c. Real estate student intern program. Application. Exemption from license requirements while enrolled in intern program. Any student who wishes to enroll in a real estate student intern program in this state shall file an application with the commission. The commission shall approve such application if it appears to the satisfaction of the commission that the program is provided by an accredited school and the student will be under the direct supervision of a real estate broker licensed in the state. The application shall contain the name and address of such licensed real estate broker, and a statement from the broker that such broker shall be liable for any acts of negligence, fraud or misrepresentation by such student while under such broker's supervision. If the commission approves the application, the commission shall exempt such student from the license requirements of this chapter during the period in which such student is acting as an intern under the direct supervision of a real estate broker licensed in the state while enrolled in such intern program.

      (P.A. 79-74, S. 1; P.A. 80-104; P.A. 98-10, S. 10; P.A. 03-71, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 80-104 added provision re exemption of students from license requirements during period of internship; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 03-71 made a technical change.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-315. Bond. Section 20-315 is repealed.

      (1953, S. 2344d; 1969, P.A. 525, S. 11.)

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-316. Grounds for refusal of license. (a) No license under this chapter shall be denied by the commission to any applicant who has been convicted of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, extortion, criminal conspiracy to defraud or other like offense or offenses, or to any association or partnership of which such person is a member, or to any corporation of which such person is an officer or in which as a stockholder such person has or exercises a controlling interest either directly or indirectly, except in accordance with the provisions of section 46a-80.

      (b) No license under this chapter shall be issued by the Department of Consumer Protection to any applicant (1) whose application for a license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson has, within one year prior to the date of his application under this chapter, been rejected in this state, in any other state or in the District of Columbia or (2) whose license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson has, within one year prior to the date of his application under this chapter, been revoked in this state, in any other state or in the District of Columbia.

      (c) No license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson shall be issued under this chapter to any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

      (d) The provisions of this section shall apply to any applicant for a license under this chapter, whether or not such applicant was engaged in the real estate business in this state on July 1, 1953, and whenever the applicant's application is filed.

      (1953, S. 2346d; 1969, P.A. 525, S. 11; 1971, P.A. 381, S. 2; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 52; P.A. 73-163, S. 3; P.A. 76-168, S. 1, 4; P.A. 79-44; P.A. 81-361, S. 20, 39; P.A. 88-329, S. 7, 15; P.A. 90-332, S. 9, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 8, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 12, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 10; P.A. 98-10, S. 11; P.A. 03-71, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: 1969 act repealed previous Subsec. (d); 1971 act redesignated former Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (d), reflecting previous repeal of former Subsec. (d); 1972 act changed minimum age required for license from twenty-one to eighteen in Subsec. (c), reflecting lowered age of majority; P.A. 73-163 prohibited issuance of license to applicant convicted within five, rather than ten, preceding years, added prohibition re issuance of license within five years of termination of confinement, probation or parole and required previously convicted applicant to provide evidence of pardon or statement of good conduct from parole board or probation officer before license is issued in Subsec. (a); P.A. 76-168 changed emphasis of Subsec. (a) to forbid denial of license except in accordance with Sec. 4-61o (later transferred to Sec. 46a-80); P.A. 79-44 made minimum age requirement in Subsec. (c) applicable to salesman's license as well as to broker's license; P.A. 81-361 amended section to refer to issuance of license by the department instead of the commission; P.A. 88-329 made grounds for refusal of license for brokers and salesmen applicable to real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission and provisions re certification for general certified and residential certified appraisers; P.A. 91-229 deleted all references to general certified and residential certified appraisers and made technical corrections; P.A. 93-354 deleted references to real estate appraisal commission and certification (see Sec. 20-514), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 03-71 amended Subsec. (d) to substitute "any applicant for a license" for "all applicants for licenses" and "the applicant's" for "his"; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Posting of bond is condition precedent to issuance of license. 150 C. 603.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-317. Persons licensed in another state as a real estate broker or salesperson. Requirements for Connecticut license. Consent to suits and actions. (a) A person licensed in another state as a real estate broker or salesperson may become a real estate broker or real estate salesperson in this state by conforming to all of the provisions of this chapter. The commission shall recognize a current, valid license issued to a currently practicing, competent real estate broker or real estate salesperson by another state as satisfactorily qualifying the broker or salesperson for a license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson under this chapter, provided (1) the laws of the state in which the broker or salesperson is licensed require that applicants for licenses as real estate brokers and real estate salespersons establish their competency by written examinations and allow licenses to be issued to residents of the state of Connecticut, licensed under this chapter, without examination, (2) the licensure requirements of such state are substantially similar to or higher than those of this state, and (3) the broker or salesperson has no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint pending against the broker or salesperson. If the applicant is licensed in a state that does not have such requirements, such applicant shall be required to pass the Connecticut portion of the real estate examination.

      (b) Every applicant licensed in another state shall file an irrevocable consent that suits and actions may be commenced against such applicant in the proper court in any judicial district of the state in which a cause of action may arise or in which the plaintiff may reside, by the service of any process or pleading, authorized by the laws of this state, on the chairperson of the commission, such consent stipulating and agreeing that such service of such process or pleading shall be taken and held in all courts to be as valid and binding as if service had been made upon such applicant in the state of Connecticut. If any process or pleadings under this chapter are served upon the chairperson, it shall be by duplicate copies, one of which shall be filed in the office of the commission, and the other immediately forwarded by registered or certified mail, to the applicant against whom such process or pleadings are directed, at the last-known address of such applicant as shown by the records of the commission. No default in any such proceedings or action shall be taken unless it appears by affidavit of the chairperson of the commission that a copy of the process or pleading was mailed to the defendant as required by this subsection, and no judgment by default shall be taken in any such action or proceeding within twenty days after the date of mailing of such process or pleading to the out-of-state defendant.

      (1953, S. 2352d; 1967, P.A. 460, S. 8; 1971, P.A. 381, S. 3; P.A. 77-614, S. 226, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 2, 127; P.A. 82-422, S. 8, 14; P.A. 87-137; P.A. 88-329, S. 8, 15; P.A. 90-332, S. 10, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 9, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 13, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 96-200, S. 11; P.A. 98-10, S. 12; P.A. 01-100, S. 3.)

      History: 1967 act updated statute to provide for service of process on chairman or executive director of commission rather than on commissioner or his deputy; 1971 act deleted reference to filing of bond by nonresident applicant "in the same amount as is required of a resident of this state"; P.A. 77-614 deleted references to executive director of commission as proxy party for nonresident applicants in suits and actions filed against them; P.A. 78-280 replaced "county" with "judicial district"; P.A. 82-422 limited licensure by reciprocity to licensees currently practicing in a state having licensure requirements substantially similar to or higher than those of this state, who have no complaints or disciplinary proceedings pending against them and who pass the Connecticut portion of the real estate examination; P.A. 87-137 provided that, for licensure by reciprocity of individuals licensed in another state with requirements substantially similar to or higher than those of this state, the applicant need not pass the Connecticut portion of the real estate examination; P.A. 88-329 made licensure requirements for nonresident brokers and salesmen applicable to nonresident real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission and provisions re certification for general certified and residential certified appraisers; P.A. 91-229 divided section into Subsecs., deleted all references to general certified and residential certified appraisers, in Subsec. (a) added a provision re certification and qualifications for nonresidents applying for licensure or certification in this state and added new Subsec. (c) re temporary licensing or certification for a period of twenty days for a one hundred fifty dollar fee; P.A. 93-354 deleted Subsec. (c) re licensing and certification of nonresident real estate appraisers and deleted all references to real estate appraisal commission and real estate appraisers elsewhere in the section (see Sec 20-515), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman" in Subsec. (a); P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 01-100 deleted references to nonresidents and replaced with references to persons licensed in another state and made technical changes, including changes for the purpose of gender neutrality.

      Cited. 144 C. 647. If a nationally recognized real estate brokerage corporation wants to engage in real estate business in this state, section provides a means for it to do so legally. 266 C. 572.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-318. Certificate. The Department of Consumer Protection shall issue to each licensee under this chapter a license certificate in such size and form as the department determines.

      (1953, S. 2347d; P.A. 81-361, S. 21, 39; P.A. 90-332, S. 11, 32; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-12, S. 32, 55; P.A. 98-10, S. 13; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 81-361 amended section to allow the department to issue licenses upon the authorization of the commission on and after July 1, 1981, and to delete reference to issuance of pocket cards; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include a reference to the real estate appraisal commission; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-12 changed entity issuing licenses from the real estate commission or the real estate appraisal commission to the department of consumer protection; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-319. Renewal. Continuing education requirements. Regulations. (a) The commission shall authorize the Department of Consumer Protection to issue an annual renewal license to any applicant who possesses the qualifications specified in and otherwise has complied with the provisions of this chapter and any regulation adopted under this chapter.

      (b) There is hereby established an annual renewal license to be issued by the Department of Consumer Protection. Persons licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall fulfill a continuing education requirement. Applicants for an annual renewal license for real estate brokers or real estate salespersons shall, in addition to the other requirements imposed by the provisions of this chapter, in any even-numbered year, submit proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements of this subsection to the commission, accompanied by an eight-dollar processing fee. The continuing education requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of any of the following during the two-year period preceding such renewal: (1) A course or courses, approved by the commission, of continuing education in current real estate practices and licensing laws consisting of not less than twelve hours of classroom study; or (2) a written examination prepared and administered by either the Department of Consumer Protection, or by a national testing service approved by the department, which demonstrates a knowledge of current real estate practices and licensing laws; or (3) equivalent continuing educational experience or study as determined by regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d). An applicant for examination under subdivision (2) of this subsection shall pay the required examination fee to the national testing service, if administered by such testing service, or to the Department of Consumer Protection, if administered by the department.

      (c) If the commission refuses to grant an annual renewal license, the licensee or applicant, upon written notice received as provided for in this chapter, may have recourse to any of the remedies provided by sections 20-314 and 20-322.

      (d) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, in consultation with the commission, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, concerning the approval of schools, institutions or organizations offering courses in current real estate practices and licensing laws and the content of such courses. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to: (1) Specifications for meeting equivalent continuing educational experience or study; (2) exceptions from continuous education requirements for reasons of health or instances of individual hardship. No school, institution or organization that offers a course in current real estate practices and licensing laws may be disapproved solely because its courses are offered or taught by electronic means, and no course may be disapproved solely because it is offered or taught by electronic means.

      (1953, S. 2345d; P.A. 81-361, S. 22, 39; P.A. 83-472; P.A. 85-109; P.A. 88-329, S. 9, 15; P.A. 89-251, S. 126, 203; P.A. 90-332, S. 12, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 10, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 14, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; 94-240, S. 1, 14; P.A. 96-200, S. 12; P.A. 98-10, S. 14; P.A. 03-39, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c), (d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 81-361 amended section to allow the department to issue renewal licenses upon the authorization of the commission on and after July 1, 1981; P.A. 83-472 divided section into Subsecs., provided that no renewal license may be issued on or after May 1, 1986, unless the applicant demonstrates proficiency in real estate practices or takes approved continuing education courses in accordance with the requirements of Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (c), requiring the commissioner of consumer protection to adopt regulations concerning guidelines for the approval of such courses; P.A. 85-109 clarified the standards for successful completion of the continuing education requirement, moving renewal license provisions from Subsec. (a) to Subsec. (b) and relettering remaining Subsecs. accordingly; P.A. 88-329 amended section to establish renewal and continuing education requirements for real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 89-251 amended Subsec. (b) to increase processing fee from six to eight dollars; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission, provisions re certification for general certified and residential certified appraisers, and added Subsec. (c) concerning education requirements for certified appraisers and relettered former Subsecs. (c) and (d) as (d) and (e) respectively; P.A. 91-229 deleted all references to general certified and residential certified appraisers, amended Subsec. (b) to require that applicants for the first renewal license after July 1, 1991, meet all the requirements necessary to conduct business in this state as well as all the requirements mandated by federal regulations, in Subsec. (c) substituted "the required hours" to be determined by the real estate appraisal commission or the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation for the reference to "twenty hours of classroom study", and made technical changes; P.A. 93-354 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provisions re renewal of appraisers' licenses and continuing education requirements for renewal, deleted Subsec. (c) re continuing education requirements for certified appraisers, relettering Subsecs. (d) and (e) accordingly, and removed references to real estate appraisers and real estate appraisal commission throughout section (see Sec. 20-517), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 94-240 in Subsec. (c) substituted "have recourse to" in lieu of "avail himself of", effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 96-200 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "salespersons" for "salesmen" and made a technical change; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 03-39 amended Subsec. (d) to prohibit disapproval of a school, institution, organization or course solely because it uses electronic means; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Commissioner and Department of Consumer Protection with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-319a. Change of salesperson's employment or affiliation. Fees. (a) Any licensed real estate salesperson who transfers his employment from one broker to another or his affiliation with a broker as an independent contractor shall register such transfer with, and pay a registration fee of twenty-five dollars to, the commission.

      (b) A fee of twenty-five dollars shall be paid to the commission for the issuance of a license certification or a duplicate of a license certificate.

      (1969, P.A. 398, S. 2; P.A. 81-178, S. 1; P.A. 89-251, S. 127, 203; P.A. 90-332, S. 13, 32; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 36, 117; P.A. 96-200, S. 13; P.A. 98-10, S. 15.)

      History: P.A. 81-178 increased fee for transfer of registration from three to ten dollars and required salesmen affiliated with brokers as independent contractors to pay fee and added Subsec. (b) re fee for issuance of license certification or duplicate; P.A. 89-251 increased fees for transfer of registration and for issuance of a license or a duplicate from ten dollars to fifteen dollars; P.A. 90-332 amended section to specify that fees be paid to "real estate" commission; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6 amended Subsec. (a) to increase the registration fee from fifteen to twenty-five dollars and Subsec. (b) to increase fee from fifteen to twenty-five dollars; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-320. Suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines. The Department of Consumer Protection may, upon the request of the commission or upon the verified complaint in writing of any person, if such complaint, or such complaint together with evidence, documentary or otherwise, presented in connection with such complaint, shall make out a prima facie case, investigate the actions of any real estate broker or real estate salesperson or any person who assumes to act in any of such capacities within this state. The commission may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke any license issued under the provisions of this chapter and, in addition to or in lieu of such suspension or revocation, may, in its discretion, impose a fine of not more than two thousand dollars at any time when, after proceedings as provided in section 20-321, the commission finds that the licensee has by false or fraudulent misrepresentation obtained a license or that the licensee is guilty of any of the following: (1) Making any material misrepresentation; (2) making any false promise of a character likely to influence, persuade or induce; (3) acting as an agent for more than one party in a transaction without the knowledge of all parties for whom the licensee acts; (4) representing or attempting to represent a real estate broker other than the licensee's employer or the broker with whom the licensee is affiliated, without the express knowledge and consent of the licensee's employer or affiliated broker; (5) failing, within a reasonable time, to account for or remit any moneys coming into the licensee's possession which belong to others; (6) entering into an exclusive listing contract or buyer agency contract which contains a fixed termination date if such contract also provides for an automatic continuation of the period of such contract beyond such date; (7) failing to deliver immediately a copy of any instrument to any party or parties executing the instrument, where such instrument has been prepared by the licensee or under the licensee's supervision and where such instrument relates to the employment of the licensee or to any matters pertaining to the consummation of a lease, or the purchase, sale or exchange of real property or any other type of real estate transaction in which the licensee may participate as a broker or a salesperson; (8) conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or other like offense or offenses, provided suspension or revocation under this subdivision shall be subject to the provisions of section 46a-80; (9) collecting compensation in advance of services to be performed and failing, upon demand of the person paying the compensation or the commission, to render an accounting of the use of such money; (10) commingling funds of others with the licensee's own, or failing to keep funds of others in an escrow or trustee account; (11) any act or conduct which constitutes dishonest, fraudulent or improper dealings; (12) failing to provide the disclosures required by section 20-325c; (13) a violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter. Any fine collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Real Estate Guaranty Fund established pursuant to section 20-324a.

      (1953, 1955, S. 2348d; 1957, P.A. 39; 1963, P.A. 100; 1967, P.A. 460, S. 9; P.A. 74-286, S. 1, 3; P.A. 76-26, S. 1, 3; 76-168, S. 2, 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 227, 610; P.A. 83-512, S. 2; P.A. 88-329, S. 10, 15; P.A. 89-347, S. 2; P.A. 90-332, S. 14, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 11, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 15, 54; P.A 94-36, S. 41, 42; 94-240, S. 2, 14; P.A. 98-10, S. 16; P.A. 99-231, S. 3, 7; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: 1963 act added Subdiv. (12); 1967 act amended Subdiv. (12) to make violation of any provision of chapter grounds for revocation or suspension and updated statute deleting references to "commissioner" and substituting "commission"; P.A. 74-286 rewrote Subdiv. (8), replacing convictions within ten years with convictions within five years as ground for suspension or revocation of license and adding "confinement, or probation or parole for such conviction, within five years ..." as ground for suspension or revocation; P.A. 76-26 added provision allowing imposition of fine in addition to or in lieu of suspension or revocation of license for first offense; P.A. 76-168 deleted the words "in performing or attempting to perform any of the actions enumerated in section 20-311", immediately before Subdiv. (1) and revised Subdiv. (8) limiting suspension or revocation for license for conviction as provided in Sec. 4-61o (later transferred to Sec. 46a-80) rather than using five-year period as measure of applicability and deleting reference to confinement, probation or parole as measure of applicability; P.A. 77-614 transferred investigatory power from commission to consumer protection department, acting on commission's request and referred in Subdiv. (12) to regulations "under this chapter" rather than to regulations of commission, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 83-512 increased the maximum fine from five hundred to one thousand dollars; P.A. 88-329 made grounds for suspension or revocation of license and fines for brokers and salesmen applicable to real estate appraisers and residential appraisers, effective July 1, 1989; P.A. 89-347 inserted new Subdiv. (12) re failure to provide the disclosures required by Sec. 20-325c, renumbering former Subdiv. as (13); P.A. 90-332 amended section to include references to the real estate appraisal commission and provisions re certification for general certified and residential certified appraisers; P.A. 91-229 deleted all references to general certified and residential certified appraisers and made technical corrections; P.A. 93-354 deleted references to real estate appraisers, real estate appraisal commission and certification throughout section (see Sec. 20-518), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 94-240 made certain changes to the text to make it more gender neutral and increased the maximum fine from one thousand dollars to two thousand dollars, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 99-231 added provision that fines collected pursuant to section shall be deposited into Real Estate Guaranty Fund, effective June 29, 1999; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Real estate commission has jurisdiction to revoke broker's license pursuant to this section only if he is acting in his capacity as broker, i.e. performing or attempting to perform "for another and for a fee." 169 C. 445, 448-451. Cited. 177 C. 515, 521.

      Cited. 14 CA 46, 55. Cited. 37 CA 777, 781.

      Cited. 26 CS 193.

      Subdiv. (6):

      Cited. 213 C. 612, 618.

      Cited. 7 CA 120, 128. Cited. 25 CA 51, 55.

      Subdiv. (8):

      Cited. 37 CA 777, 779, 781, 782.

      Subdiv. (11):

      Cited. 177 C. 515, 516, 518, 519, 525, 527.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-320a. Referral of any buyer of real property to an attorney or mortgage broker prohibited, when. Suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines. (a) No real estate broker or real estate salesperson, no person affiliated with such broker or salesperson, and no person engaging in the real estate business may receive a fee, commission or other form of referral fee for the referral of any buyer of real property to (1) an attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this state or any person affiliated with such attorney or (2) any mortgage broker, any lender, as defined in subdivision (5) of section 49-31d, or any person affiliated with such mortgage broker or lender.

      (b) The Department of Consumer Protection may, upon the request of the commission or upon the verified complaint in writing of any person, if such complaint, or such complaint together with evidence, documentary or otherwise, presented in connection with such complaint, shall make out a prima facie case, investigate the actions of any real estate broker or real estate salesperson or any person who assumes to act in any of such capacities within this state. The commission may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke any license issued under the provisions of this chapter, and, in addition to or in lieu of such suspension or revocation, may, in its discretion, impose a fine of not more than one thousand dollars for the first offense at any time when, after proceedings as provided in section 20-321, the commission finds that the licensee is guilty of violating any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

      (P.A. 94-240, S. 11; P.A. 96-200, S. 14; P.A. 98-10, S. 17; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(d); P.A. 04-169, S. 17; 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-169 replaced Department of Consumer Protection with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-321. Notice and hearing. Before refusing, suspending or revoking any license or imposing any fine under this chapter, the commission shall give notice and afford an opportunity for hearing as provided in the regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection.

      (1953, 1955, S. 2349d; 1967, P.A. 460, S. 10; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 98; P.A. 76-26, S. 2, 3; P.A. 77-614, S. 228, 610; P.A. 90-332, S. 15, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 12, 19; P.A. 93-354, S. 16, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 18; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: 1967 act updated statute deleting references to "commissioner" and substituting "commission"; 1971 act made false statement an optional finding where person swears or affirms falsely before the commission and replaced provision for penalty of fine between twenty-five and two hundred dollars and/ or imprisonment for up to one year with provision for "penalties provided for false statement"; P.A. 76-26 required notice and opportunity for hearing before "imposing any fine"; P.A. 77-614 replaced lengthy and detailed provisions re notice, hearing, false statement and penalty for false statement with provision requiring notice and opportunity for hearing as provided in regulations of consumer protection commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include a reference to the real estate appraisal commission; P.A. 91-229 added "certification" as a requirement for performance of work as a real estate appraiser to comply with federal regulations; P.A. 93-354 deleted reference to real estate appraisal commission and certification (see Sec. 20-519), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Consumer Protection with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Cited. 177 C. 515, 518.

      Cited. 37 CA 777, 783.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-322. Appeal. Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the commission may appeal in accordance with the provisions of section 4-183.

      (1953, S. 2350d; 1971, P.A. 179, S. 16; P.A. 76-436, S. 435, 681; P.A. 77-603, S. 82, 125; 77-614, S. 229, 610; P.A. 90-332, S. 16, 32; P.A. 93-354, S. 17, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 19.)

      History: 1971 act required that appeals be taken between twelve and thirty days after service rather than to the next or "next but one" return day; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court and added reference to judicial districts, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-603 replaced previous detailed appeal provisions with provision requiring appeals in accordance with Sec. 4-183; P.A. 77-614 deleted reference to appeals on grievances re regulations, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 90-332 amended section to include a reference to the real estate appraisal commission; P.A. 93-354 deleted reference to real estate appraisal commission (see Sec. 20-520), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made a technical change.

      Cited. 169 C. 445, 447, 453.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-323. Revocation of license upon conviction of crime. Any licensee under this chapter who is convicted of a violation of any of the offenses enumerated in subdivision (8) of section 20-320 shall incur a forfeiture of his license and all moneys that may have been paid for such license. The clerk of any court in which such conviction has been rendered shall forward to the commission without charge a certified copy of such conviction. The commission, upon the receipt of a copy of the judgment of conviction, shall, not later than ten days after such receipt, notify the licensee, in writing, of the revocation of his license. Such notice shall be conclusive of the revocation of such license. Application for reinstatement of such license shall be subject to the provisions of section 46a-80.

      (1953, 1955, S. 2354d; P.A. 74-286, S. 2, 3; P.A. 76-168, S. 3, 4; P.A. 90-332, S. 17, 32; P.A. 91-229, S. 13, 19; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-11, S. 4, 70; P.A. 93-354, S. 18, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 20.)

      History: P.A. 74-286 changed term of ineligibility for license following revocation from ten to five years and made same period applicable with regard to "termination of confinement, probation or parole, whichever is later"; P.A. 76-168 replaced previous provision re term of ineligibility for license following revocation with statement that applications for reinstatement are subject to Sec. 4-61o (later transferred to Sec. 46a-80); P.A. 90-332 added a provision for "appropriate" commission to differentiate between the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission and inserted references to certification; P.A. 91-229 added "certification" as a requirement for performance of work as a real estate appraiser to comply with federal regulations; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-11 made a technical change; P.A. 93-354 made technical changes reflecting separation of statutory provisions concerning real estate commission and real estate appraisal commission (see Sec. 20-521), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes.

      Cited. 169 C. 445, 449.

      Cited. 37 CA 777-783.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-324. Misrepresentation; penalty. Any person wilfully misrepresenting any fact required to be disclosed in any application or in any other form, paper or document required to be filed with the commission in connection with an application for a license under this chapter shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both.

      (1953, S. 2355d; P.A. 90-332, S. 18, 32; P.A. 93-354, S. 19, 54; P.A. 94-36, S. 41, 42; P.A. 98-10, S. 21.)

      History: P.A. 90-332 added a provision for "appropriate" commission to differentiate between the real estate commission and the real estate appraisal commission and inserted references to certification; P.A. 93-354 deleted reference to real estate appraisal commission and certification (see Sec. 20-522), effective in accordance with Sec. 20-528; P.A. 94-36 changed effective date of P.A. 93-354 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-324a. Real Estate Guaranty Fund. The commission shall establish and maintain a Real Estate Guaranty Fund from which, subject to the provisions of sections 20-324a to 20-324j, inclusive, any person aggrieved by any action of a real estate broker or real estate salesperson, duly licensed in this state under section 20-312, by reason of the embezzlement of money or property, or money or property unlawfully obtained from any person by false pretenses, artifice, trickery or forgery or by reason of any fraud, misrepresentation or deceit by or on the part of any such real estate broker or real estate salesperson or the unlicensed employee of any such real estate broker, may recover, upon approval by the commission of an application brought pursuant to the provisions of section 20-324e, compensation in an amount not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars in connection with any one real estate transaction or claim, regardless of the number of persons aggrieved or parcels of real estate involved in such real estate transaction or claim.

      (1969, P.A. 525, S. 1; P.A. 82-19; 82-422, S. 10, 14; P.A. 85-124, S. 1; P.A. 95-158, S. 2; P.A. 96-200, S. 15; P.A. 98-10, S. 22.)

      History: P.A. 82-19 increased the amount a defrauded consumer could recover on a claim from ten to twenty-five thousand dollars; P.A. 82-422 increased amount of recovery from fund from ten thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars; P.A. 85-124 provided that compensation may be recovered upon approval by the commission of an application for compensation, rather than upon a court order; P.A. 95-158 added references to "real estate" for clarity to specify the types of transactions and claims applicable under this section; P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made a technical change.

      Cited. 189 C. 162, 165, 166. Cited. 192 C. 439, 440, 442.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-324b. Fee payable to fund. Any person who receives a real estate broker's or real estate salesperson's license under this chapter for the first time shall pay an additional one-time fee of twenty dollars in addition to all other fees payable, which additional fee shall be credited to the Real Estate Guaranty Fund. The Real Estate Guaranty Fund shall also be credited as provided in sections 20-314 and 20-320.

      (1969, P.A. 525, S. 2; P.A. 96-200, S. 16; P.A. 98-10, S. 23; P.A. 99-231, S. 4, 7.)

      History: P.A. 96-200 substituted "salesperson" for "salesman"; P.A. 98-10 made technical changes; P.A. 99-231 added provision that fund is to be credited as provided in Secs. 20-314 and 20-320, effective June 29, 1999.

      Cited. 189 C. 162, 166. Cited. 192 C. 439, 440.

(Return to
Chapter Table of Contents)		(Return to
List of Chapters)		(Return to
List of Titles)

      Sec. 20-324c. Level of guaranty fund. Credits to guaranty fund and General Fund. The commission shall maintain the Real Estate Guaranty Fund at a level not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars and to this intent moneys received under section 20-324b shall be credited to said fund whenever the fund balance is below five hundred thousand dollars. Any such moneys may be invested or reinvested in the same manner as funds of the state employees retirement system. The interest arising from such investments shall be credited to the Real Estate Guaranty Fund whenever the fund balance is below five hundred thousand dollars, and to the General Fund whenever the fund balance