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An administrative penalty is a monetary penalty issued by the Registrar when an investigation finds sufficient evidence of misconduct, usually involving one or two straightforward issues. It is not a criminal penalty and focuses on encouraging compliance.

You must file a written notice of appeal within 30 days of being served the penalty. Your notice must describe the penalty, state your reasons for appeal, and include security for costs (up to $1,000 or 3× the penalty amount).

RECA publishes enforcement actions and decisions on their website. You can search decisions by name, section breached, or outcome. Decisions remain on reca.ca for five years.
🔗 View Enforcement Actions

RECA evaluates an applicant's respect for the rule of law, honesty, governability, financial responsibility, and professionalism. Case law defines good character as moral strength including integrity, candour, empathy, and honesty.

A Section 34 Review is a process where RECA reviews an applicant's past events or issues that may call their good character into question. The Registrar decides if it is in the public interest to issue a licence, and may impose terms or conditions.

A past or discharged bankruptcy does not affect your suitability for licensing. However, an active bankruptcy affects your eligibility to hold a broker's licence until it is discharged.

The Good Character Policy outlines how RECA defines and applies good character to licensing and disciplinary decisions. It is a key resource for applicants and licensees.
🔗 Read the Good Character Policy

A practice review is an examination of a brokerage's records and activities to assess compliance with statutory obligations. Brokerages may be selected based on time since last review, first-year operation, deficiencies in accounting reports, amount of trust funds, or information from third parties.

The reviewer will discuss business activities and policies, then review trust accounts, bank statements, ledgers, reconciliations, and sample deal files (open, closed, and non-completed). They may also review administration agreements and investor/borrower files.

Yes. New brokers (real estate, mortgage, or appraisal) may ask RECA to conduct a courtesy practice review. It is an educational resource to help ensure you are aware of provisions under the Real Estate Act. You can contact RECA's Trust Assurance and Practice Review unit at audit@reca.ca.

Yes. The practice review and its findings are discussed only with the broker or others at the broker's request. Information is kept confidential and only disclosed in accordance with RECA's privacy policy. Serious concerns may be referred to the Professional Conduct Review unit.

Yes. A condition-free offer may make your bid stand out, but it carries significant risks. Without financing approval or a home inspection, you could forfeit your deposit or end up with a property with unknown defects. Your licensee must advise you of these risks.

If a seller refuses to provide an RPR, you have several options: obtain title insurance, negotiate a price adjustment, hire a surveyor yourself, seek legal advice, or reconsider the purchase. Always communicate your concerns with your licensee.

Transaction brokerage occurs when a real estate professional represents both the seller and the buyer in a transaction. This is permitted in Alberta, but requires proper disclosure and consent from both parties.

If the deal has already closed, there is little recourse outside of the courts. This highlights the importance of due diligence: buyer licensees should verify parking stall information with the seller and in condominium documents before making an offer.

A Suitability Review is an opinion from the Registrar on whether past events (e.g., criminal charges, bankruptcy, professional discipline) may affect your ability to get a licence. New applicants with concerns should apply before starting pre-licensing education.

myRECA is RECA's online licensing system. You can use it for licence applications, renewals, managing corporate structure changes, and checking the status of applications or suitability reviews.

RECA publishes comprehensive guides for licensees, including licensing policies, practice and conduct guides, and advertising guidelines. These are available through RECA's professional resources hub.
🔗 Explore RECA's resources

RECA has specialized support teams:
• Information Services: info@reca.ca (general questions)
• Registration Services: registration@reca.ca (licensing)
• Credentialing Support: credentialing@reca.ca (exams, courses)
• Advisory Services: see specific contacts on RECA's website.

RECA regulates Alberta's real estate (rural, commercial, residential, property management), condominium management, and mortgage brokerage industries.

RECA provides sample forms, advertising guidelines, Residential Measurement Standard resources, and practice guides through their professional resources hub.
🔗 Visit reca.ca