Massachusetts law about real estate brokers

Laws, regulations, and web sources on real estate brokers' roles and legal responsibilities.

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Best bet

Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
State agency website includes frequently asked questions, licensing information, forms, policies, continuing education course listings, and more.

• Check an Occupational Board license
• Real estate brokers and salespersons licensing
• Real estate brokers and salespersons consumer fact sheet

Massachusetts laws

MGL c. 13, §§ 54-57 Board of registration of real estate brokers and salespersons

MGL c. 93, § 114 "Psychologically impacted" properties
Sellers and brokers do not have to disclose to buyers or tenants the fact that a property is perceived to be tainted by the health of a previous occupant, a murder or suicide, or paranormal phenomena. However, they may not be deceitful in answers to questions about the property.

MGL c. 112, §§ 61-65E Certificate of registration–suspension, revocation or cancellation

MGL c. 112, §§ 87PP-87DDD-1/2 Real estate brokers and salespersons

Massachusetts regulations

254 CMR Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

Selected cases

Selected court cases on the topic of real estate brokers.

Forms

Forms for real estate brokers and salespersons
Find forms you may need as a real estate professional in Massachusetts. Includes forms in different languages.

Web sources

A consumer guide to real estate representation, Berkshire County Board of Realtors, 2008.
Pamphlet for consumers that explains the relationship between consumers and real estate brokers.

Frequently asked questions about residential rental broker’s fees, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Effective August 1, 2025, broker’s fees for rental units must be paid by the person who hired the broker or salesperson.

Governor Healey, Attorney General Campbell warn against illegal renter-paid broker fees, Mass. Governor and Office of the Attorney General, May 21, 2026.
Encourages renters to file complaints against brokers and landlords attempting to charge fees against state law.

NAR settlement FAQs, National Association of Realtors, updated 2025.
The $418 million settlement includes rule changes, which took effect in August, 2024, and relate to agent commissions.

Print sources

LexisNexis practice guide: Massachusetts real estate litigation, Lexis, annual edition. (eBook available with library card)
Chapter 11: Real estate brokerage litigation.

The real estate legal desk book: A broker's guide to consumer protection, procuring cause, commissions, fair housing and more by Philip S. Lapatin, 4^th ed., 2015.

Massachusetts Practice

Methods of practice with forms, 4^th ed. (vol. 5), West Group, 2000 with supplement. 
Section 3:66: Broker’s commission.

Procedural forms annotated, 6^th ed. (vol. 10A), West, 2009 with supplement.
Chapter 47: Complaints–Real estate broker's commission.

Prima facie case proof and defense, 5^th ed. (vol. 17), Thomson/West, 2005 with supplement.
Chapter 9: Real estate broker’s commission.

Real estate law with forms, 5^th ed. (vols. 28B-28C), Thomson Reuters, annual.
Chapter 36: Brokerage agreements; Chapter 53: Purchase and sale agreements.

Last updated:	June 4, 2026