TREC Form Changes and Rule Updates You Should Know

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has approved several updates to its forms and licensing rules that will affect Texas license holders in early 2026. Here’s a clear, quick overview of what changed and why it matters.

Information About Brokerage Services Updated

Effective January 1, 2026

TREC has revised the Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form. The updates:

• Clarify when a written agreement is required with a buyer
• Explain how a license holder can show property to a buyer or tenant without representing them
• Remove all references to subagency
• Update the party descriptions in the contact information section

These changes bring the form in line with recent legislative requirements.

Key Rule Changes Adopted

TREC also approved changes to 22 TAC Chapter 535, which:

• Redefine what it means to be an associated broker
• Require license holders to provide their business address and phone number
• Require all brokers to complete the Broker Responsibility Course, even if they do not sponsor agents
• Update licensing provisions for military service members
• Make several additional administrative updates

Updates to 22 TAC §535.56:

• Increase the experience points required
• Cap the education credits that can be applied from a bachelor’s degree
• Adjust other qualification standards

Proposed Rule on Temporary License Suspension

TREC has also proposed a new rule that would allow the commission to temporarily suspend a license when a license holder’s continued practice could pose a threat to public welfare. This proposal will appear in the Texas Register and will be open for public comment.

For more details, you can review TREC’s full update.