Real Estate Licensing Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam - Topic 6 Question 6 Discussion

In Virginia, two separate bodies manage different aspects of housing regulation and enforcement:

Real Estate Board (REB): The REB, operating under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), is responsible for regulating and enforcing real estate laws and regulations related to licensed real estate professionals. This includes education, licensure, conduct, disciplinary action, and fair housing compliance specifically for licensees (e.g., salespersons and brokers).

Authority Source: Title 54.1, Chapter 21 of the Code of Virginia.

Regulatory oversight: Violations of fair housing law by real estate licensees (salespersons or brokers) are investigated and enforced by the REB.

Fair Housing Board (FHB): The FHB, also under DPOR but functioning independently from the REB, is tasked with enforcing Virginia's Fair Housing Law (outside of licensee jurisdiction). This includes addressing violations by:

Unlicensed individuals

Property owners

Landlords and property managers who are not licensed real estate professionals

Other entities not subject to REB regulation

This clear division ensures that real estate licensees are held accountable by the REB, while the FHB addresses violations by those not regulated through licensure.

Reference (without URLs):

Virginia Code 54.1-2105 (Regulation and enforcement powers of the Real Estate Board)

Virginia Fair Housing Law: Title 36, Chapter 5.1 of the Code of Virginia

Real Estate Regulations (18 VAC 135-20-10 et seq.)

DPOR Guidance and Organizational Structure (as outlined in the A490-02REGS.pdf document)