TRESA: What Ontario Real Estate Students Need to Know
The Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA) is the primary legislation governing real estate professionals in Ontario. It replaced the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) and came fully into force in 2023. Every Humber College real estate exam tests TRESA knowledge heavily.
What Is TRESA?
TRESA is the provincial law that regulates real estate brokers, salespersons, and brokerages in Ontario. It establishes:
- The role and powers of RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) as the regulatory body
- Registration requirements for all real estate professionals
- Standards of conduct and ethical obligations
- Consumer protection measures
- Enforcement and disciplinary procedures
Key Changes from REBBA to TRESA
- Personal Real Estate Corporations (PRECs) — Salespersons and brokers can now incorporate, allowing for potential tax planning benefits
- Updated disclosure requirements — Enhanced obligations for multiple representation situations
- Designated representation — Brokerages can designate specific salespersons to represent different clients in the same transaction
- Self-represented parties — Clearer rules for dealing with parties who choose not to be represented
- Enhanced penalties — Increased fines and disciplinary measures for non-compliance
TRESA Topics Most Tested on Humber Exams
- Registration requirements — Who must register, conditions of registration, exemptions
- Duties to clients vs. customers — The different levels of service and obligations
- Disclosure obligations — Material facts, conflicts of interest, multiple representation
- Code of Ethics — Professional conduct standards under TRESA regulations
- Trust accounts — Requirements for handling client money
- Advertising rules — What registrants can and cannot claim in marketing
- RECO's powers — Inspections, investigations, disciplinary proceedings
Study Tips for TRESA Questions
- Know the terminology precisely — TRESA uses specific legal language; "registrant" vs "agent," "client" vs "customer"
- Understand the hierarchy — TRESA (Act) → TRESA Regulations → RECO policies
- Focus on consumer protection — Many exam questions test whether you prioritize the consumer's interests
- Study multiple representation rules carefully — This is one of the most commonly tested and most complex areas
Master TRESA for Your Exam
TRESA questions appear on every Humber exam. Our Course 1 guide covers all the TRESA fundamentals you need to pass.
Get the Course 1 Guide — $19.99Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRESA in Ontario real estate?
TRESA stands for the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002. It is the primary legislation governing real estate professionals in Ontario, replacing the old Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA). TRESA establishes registration requirements, standards of conduct, and consumer protection measures for the real estate industry.
When did TRESA replace REBBA?
TRESA fully came into force in 2023, replacing REBBA as the governing legislation for Ontario real estate professionals. All Humber College real estate courses now teach the TRESA framework exclusively.
What are PRECs under TRESA?
PRECs (Personal Real Estate Corporations) are a new structure under TRESA that allows salespersons and brokers to incorporate. This provides potential tax planning benefits and liability protection, though the registrant remains personally accountable for regulatory compliance.