If you’re a real estate agent in Texas, or you plan to become one, you should know about the Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA).
In 1939, the Texas Legislature passed the Real Estate Dealers License Act to govern the licensing and practice of real estate in Texas. In 1955, it took on the name Texas Real Estate License Act.
Today, the Texas Real Estate License Act is found in Chapter 1101 of the Texas Occupations Code, and it regulates real estate brokers and salespersons. The Act lays out what you need to do to get and keep your Texas real estate license, including taking required coursework, passing an exam, and maintaining certain standards of professional conduct.
This guide provides an overview of what you need to know about TRELA. If you’re not yet an agent, when you study for your Texas real estate license, you will learn more about the TRELA rules and how they apply to you.
The Purpose of TRELA
The state legislature of Texas passed the Texas Real Estate License Act to protect the public. It helps ensure that licensed real estate brokers and sales agents are qualified and honest. TRELA sets forth standards of conduct for licensed Texas real estate professionals. These cover a wide range of professional activities.
In addition to the education requirements discussed above, TRELA also regulates how you can advertise your services, work with your customers, and interact with other real estate professionals. The Act also lists penalties for violations.
The Basic Provisions of TRELA
TRELA covers many things that affect the day-to-day professional life of a Texas real estate agent. These include:
Which real estate activities require a Texas real estate license
The difference between a salesperson and broker license
Age, education, and other requirements for obtaining a Texas real estate license
Exemptions from Texas real estate license requirements
Active licenses versus inactive licenses
License expiration and renewal
Code of ethics and standards of conduct
License violations and penalties
The process by which complaints against license holders are filed
The process by which a license holder can request a hearing
Liability
Compensation requirements and regulations
Membership of TREC
Approval and regulation of real estate courses and continuing education
As you can see, TRELA regulates pretty much every aspect of your real estate practice!
TRELA Requirements for Earning Your Real Estate Agent's License
TRELA sets the standards for how much training you need to get your Texas real estate sales agent’s license. The TRELA rules require you to complete 180 hours of real estate courses. TRELA also specifies which subjects you need to study and how many course hours are required per subject.
When you take your Texas real estate courses from a TREC-approved provider like Aceable, you can be assured that the course program fulfills all the TRELA requirements.
TRELA also requires that you pass an examination before you can get your license. Many students find that a real estate exam prep service gives them the best chance of passing the test on their first try.
TRELA Requirements for Renewing Your Texas Real Estate Agent’s License
If you already have your license, TRELA sets the rules for how to renew it. The TRELA requirements include continuing education that must be taken before your first renewal. This includes 270 qualifying real estate course hours, including a 30-hour real estate brokerage course, four hours of TREC's Legal Update I, and four hours of TREC's Legal Update II.
If you're an active sales agent, you'll just need to take 18 hours of coursework. This includes eight hours of TREC Legal Update I and II, three hours of contract-related coursework, and three hours of an elective.
Ethical Standards for Texas Real Estate Agents
TRELA and TREC require licensed agents to be ethical in their professional behavior. Requirements include:
Acting with integrity
Representing the interests of your clients
Being knowledgeable and competent
Displaying certain consumer information
Not engaging in discriminatory practices
TRELA vs TREC
The Texas Real Estate License Act is the legislation that governs the licensing of Texas real estate license holders. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), on the other hand, enforces the provisions of TRELA. The Texas legislature created TREC in 1949 for that purpose.
Think of it this way: TRELA is the law, and TREC is the enforcer of that law. TRELA and TREC go hand in hand! TREC also has its own set of additional rules for Texas real estate professionals.
Conclusion
The TRELA rules provide guidelines for every step of your Texas real estate career, including what courses you need to take to get your license and renew it. TRELA also sets standards for your professional behavior to help ensure that Texas real estate agents are trustworthy and competent.
For convenient online pre-licensing coursework that meets all the TRELA requirements, check out the popular Aceable Texas real estate courses, and learn at your own pace!
Want to get your Real Estate License? Begin your Pre-Licensing Course today!
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Updated 8/10/24
