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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 4Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 1§ 10137 Broker Compensation Restrictions

§ 10137 Broker Compensation Restrictions

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10137 Broker Compensation Restrictions

Key Takeaways

  • •Only licensed real estate brokers or salespeople can get paid for real estate work.
  • •A real estate salesperson can only get paid by the broker they work for.
  • •A salesperson can't pay another licensee directly—they must go through their broker.
  • •Breaking these rules can get your license suspended or taken away.

Example

A real estate salesperson helps sell a house and gets paid by the homeowner instead of their broker.

This is against the law. The salesperson must get paid by their broker, not the homeowner. If they do this, they could lose their license.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10137 Broker Compensation Restrictions

It is unlawful for any licensed real estate broker to retain, compensate, directly or indirectly, any person for performing any of the acts within the scope of this chapter who is not a licensed real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson licensed under the responsible broker retaining or compensating him or her, or to retain or compensate, directly or indirectly, any licensee for engaging in any activity for which a mortgage loan originator license endorsement is required, if that licensee does not hold a mortgage loan originator license endorsement; provided, however, that a licensed real estate broker may pay a commission to a broker of another state. No real estate salesperson shall accept compensation for activity requiring a real estate license from any person other than the broker under whom he or she is at the time licensed. It is unlawful for any licensed real estate salesperson to pay any compensation for performing any of the acts within the scope of this chapter to any real estate licensee except through the broker under whom he or she is at the time licensed. A licensee may enter into an agreement with another licensee to share that compensation provided that any compensation is paid through the responsible broker. For a violation of any of the provisions of this section, the commissioner may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke the license of the real estate licensee, in accordance with the provisions of this part relating to hearings. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 285, Sec. 31. (AB 2884) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

compensationagreementhearingpensionlicensemortgagecommissionreal estate

Related Statutes

  • § 10131.01 Short-Term Rental Exemptions
  • § 10153.2 Broker License Bias Training
  • § 10131.6 Broker Sale Of Mobilehomes
  • § 10151 Salesperson License Application
  • § 10153.4 Salesperson License Application Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 10137.
View Official Source