reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-517 - Office

(a)    Each licensed real estate broker who is a resident of the State shall maintain an office in the State.
(b)    Each licensed real estate broker who is a nonresident of the State shall maintain an office in this State if the state in which the nonresident broker resides requires a resident of this State who is licensed in the other state to maintain an office in that state.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-518 - Branch Offices

(a)    Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, a licensed real estate broker may maintain branch offices in the State.
(b)    A licensed real estate broker shall obtain a branch office certificate before the broker may maintain a branch office in the State.
(c)    (1)    An applicant for a branch office certificate shall:
(i)    submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides;
(ii)    submit to the Commission written notice of the identity of the individual appointed as manager of the branch office under subsection (d) of this section; and
(iii)    pay to the Commission an application fee of $5.
(2)    The Commission shall issue a branch office certificate to each licensed real estate broker who meets the requirements of this section.
(d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the licensed real estate broker shall designate a manager for each branch office of the broker.
(2)    The manager shall be:
(i)    a licensed associate real estate broker;
(ii)    a licensed real estate salesperson who has at least 3 years’ experience providing real estate brokerage services; or
(iii)    a licensed real estate salesperson who:
1.    has completed successfully a course in real estate approved by the Commission for real estate brokers; and
2.    has passed the real estate broker’s examination given by the Commission under § 17-306 of this title.
(3)    A licensed real estate salesperson seeking to qualify as a branch office manager under paragraph (2)(iii) of this subsection shall submit to the Commission, before taking the real estate broker’s examination, a commitment from the licensed real estate broker proposing to engage the salesperson as a branch office manager.
(4)    The manager shall have the responsibility to supervise the provision of real estate brokerage services by the associate brokers and sales agents registered to that office as provided for in § 17-320 of this title.
(e)    (1)    Unless a branch office certificate is renewed for a 2-year term as provided in this subsection, the certificate expires on the first April 30 that comes:
(i)    after the effective date of the certificate; and
(ii)    in an even-numbered year.
(2)    Before a branch office certificate expires, a licensed real estate broker periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the broker:
(i)    submits to the Commission a renewal application on the form that the Commission provides accompanied by the license renewal application of the manager of the branch office; and
(ii)    pays to the Commission a renewal fee of $5.
(3)    The Commission shall renew the branch office certificate of each licensed real estate broker who meets the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-519 - Signs

(a)    In accordance with this section, a real estate broker shall display a sign at each office and branch office that the real estate broker maintains for the provision of real estate brokerage services.
(b)    The real estate broker shall display the sign conspicuously on the door or outside of the premises of each office or branch office so that the sign is visible to the public.
(c)    The real estate broker shall include on the sign the words “real estate” or, where authorized by the respective trade associations, “realtor” or “realtist”.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-520 - Change in Location of Office

(a)    Within the time set by the Commission, a real estate broker shall submit to the Commission:
(1)    written notice of any change in the address of the principal office of the broker on the form that the Commission provides;
(2)    the license certificate and pocket card of the broker; and
(3)    a fee for issuance of a new license certificate and pocket card of $5.
(b)    On receipt of the notice, fee, license certificate, and pocket card, the Commission shall issue a new license certificate and pocket card to the real estate broker for the unexpired period of the broker’s license.
(c)    Within the time set by the Commission, a real estate broker shall submit to the Commission:
(1)    written notice of any change in the address of a branch office of the broker on the form that the Commission provides;
(2)    the branch office certificate; and
(3)    a fee for the issuance of a new branch office certificate of $5.
(d)    On receipt of the notice, fee, and branch office certificate, the Commission shall issue a new branch office certificate to the real estate broker for the unexpired period of the branch office certificate.
(e)    If a real estate broker changes the address of the principal office or a branch office of the broker and fails to submit the required notice, the license of the broker shall be suspended automatically until the broker submits the required notice.
(f)    If the address of the affiliated brokerage of a licensed associate real estate broker or a licensed real estate salesperson changes, within the time set by the Commission, the licensee shall submit to the Commission:
(1)    written or electronic notice of any change in the address of the brokerage;
(2)    the license certificate and pocket card of the licensee; and
(3)    a fee for the issuance of a new license certificate and pocket card of $5.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-521 - Dishonored Checks

(a)    If a person tenders a check to the Commission in payment of a fee and the check is dishonored, the person shall pay to the Commission an additional fee for cost of collection of $35 for each dishonored check.
(b)    If a person is charged an additional fee under this section by the Commission, the original fee may not be considered paid until both the original fee and the additional fee are paid in full.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-522 - Real Estate Conservation Areas

(a)    After a public hearing, the Commission may declare an urban area a “real estate conservation area” if the Commission finds that the racial stability of the area is threatened by the volume of real estate transactions.
(b)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Commission may suspend, by order, any methods of advertising real estate brokerage services or soliciting listings of houses for the purpose of resale or rental in a real estate conservation area if the Commission determines that:
(i)    the area would benefit by the suspension;
(ii)    the suspension would advance a State interest;
(iii)    there is a reasonable basis to believe that panic selling, blockbusting, or depressed real estate market values would occur without the suspension; and
(iv)    there is no less restrictive alternative available.
(2)    In determining whether to impose a suspension, the Commission shall base its determination on a preponderance of the evidence.
(3)    When determining whether to impose a suspension, the Commission shall provide information to the community affected, including:
(i)    the racial and economic composition of the real estate conservation area;
(ii)    the number of real estate transactions in the area; and
(iii)    the fair market values of properties affected.
(4)    A suspension under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not:
(i)    apply to advertising in regularly distributed newspapers, magazines, radio, television, or telephone directories; or
(ii)    exceed 24 months in duration.
(c)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Commission may:
(i)    modify a suspension;
(ii)    remove a suspension; or
(iii)    periodically renew a suspension for a period not exceeding 24 months.
(2)    In determining whether to modify, remove, or renew a suspension, the Commission shall follow the same requirements for originally imposing a suspension under subsection (b) of this section.
(d)    Any person aggrieved by a suspension may take an appeal to the circuit court of any county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-523 - Notice About Taxes

(a)    Each real estate contract submitted to a party by a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson for use in the sale of residential property used as a dwelling place for one or two single-family units shall contain, in the manner provided under subsection (b) of this section, the following statement, as required by § 14-117 of the Real Property Article:
“Section 14-104 of the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland provides that, unless otherwise negotiated in the contract or provided by local law, the cost of any recordation tax or any State or local transfer tax shall be shared equally between the buyer and seller.”
(b)    The statement required under subsection (a) of this section shall be printed in conspicuous type or handwritten in the contract or an addendum to the contract.
(c)    A real estate contract is not rendered invalid by the omission of the statement to the buyer required under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-524 - Notice of Buyer's Right of Selection

(a)    Each real estate contract submitted to a party by a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson for use in the sale of a single-family dwelling shall contain, in bold-faced type, a statement that the buyer has the right to select the buyer’s own:
(1)    title insurance company;
(2)    settlement company;
(3)    escrow company;
(4)    mortgage lender, or financial institution as defined in the Financial Institutions Article; or
(5)    title lawyer.
(b)    The statement required under subsection (a) of this section shall also contain, in bold-faced type, a statement that a seller may not be prohibited from offering owner financing as a condition of settlement.
(c)    A real estate contract is not rendered invalid by the omission of the statement to the buyer required under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-527 - Solicitation of Listings in Baltimore City and Baltimore County

In Baltimore City and Baltimore County, a real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson may not mass solicit listings by using the name or address of a present or previous client without the written consent of both parties to the contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-527.1 - Cessation of Errors and Omissions Insurance

(a)    This section applies to a real estate broker who purchases errors and omissions insurance that provides coverage to the associate real estate brokers and the real estate salespersons who are affiliated with or employed by the real estate broker.
(b)    A real estate broker shall provide immediate notice of a discontinuance of the broker’s errors and omissions insurance to those associate real estate brokers and real estate salespersons who were covered under the broker’s policy.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-527.2 - Use of Trade Names by Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons -- Advertisements

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Advertise” means the use of any oral, written, or visual advertisement by a licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, licensed associate real estate broker, or other person on behalf of a licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker.
(3)    (i)    “Advertisement” means, unless the context requires otherwise, any oral, written, or printed media advertisement.
(ii)    “Advertisement” includes any correspondence, mailing, newsletter, brochure, business card, for sale or for lease sign and sign rider, promotional item, automobile signage, telephone directory listing, television announcement, radio announcement, telephone solicitation, and World Wide Web and Internet voice-overs.
(4)    (i)    “Designated name” means the individual name of a licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker other than the licensed real estate salesperson’s, licensed real estate broker’s, or licensed associate real estate broker’s full legal name.
(ii)    “Designated name” includes a first name, nickname, or last name.
(b)    A licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker may not advertise unless:
(1)    the name or designated name of the licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker, as the name or designated name appears on the license certificate and pocket card issued by the Commission, is meaningfully and conspicuously included in the advertisement; and
(2)    the name of the business with which the licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker is affiliated:
(i)    is meaningfully and conspicuously included in the advertisement; and
(ii)    is the full name of the business and not a logo used by the business.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-527.3 - Use of Trade Names by Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons -- Approval by Commission

(a)    A licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker may provide real estate brokerage services under a designated name that has been approved by the Commission.
(b)    Subject to the approval of the Commission, a licensed real estate salesperson, licensed real estate broker, or licensed associate real estate broker may add a designated name on a license certificate and pocket card if the licensee submits to the Commission:
(1)    an application on the form that the Commission provides;
(2)    the license certificate and pocket card of the licensee;
(3)    any documentation about the designated name that the Commission requires; and
(4)    a fee of $5.
(c)    The full legal name of the licensee and the approved designated name shall be displayed on the new license certificate and pocket card.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part II - General Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 17-527.4 - Verification of Service Provider Licensing Status

(a)    (1)    In this section, “service provider” includes a mortgage lender, a mortgage broker, a real estate appraiser, a home inspector, a plumber, an electrician, and a heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration contractor.
(2)    “Service provider” does not include a home improvement contractor.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, if a licensee offers the name of a service provider to a client in the provision of real estate brokerage services, the licensee need not verify that the service provider is currently licensed by the State to perform the services.
(c)    If a licensee offers the name of a home improvement contractor to a client, the licensee shall:
(1)    annually verify that the home improvement contractor is licensed by the Home Improvement Commission under Title 8 of the Business Regulation Article to act as a home improvement contractor before offering the name to the client; and
(2)    inform the client of the website on which the licensing information may be found, and the date on which the licensee verified the information.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part III - Duties of Licensees › Section 17-529 - Applicability of Subtitle

(a)    This Part III of this subtitle applies only to:
(1)    the sale or lease of real property improved by one, two, three, or four single-family units; and
(2)    unimproved real property zoned for residential use by the local zoning authority of the county or municipality in which the real property is located.
(b)    This Part III of this subtitle does not apply to a lease of 125 days or less.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part III - Duties of Licensees › Section 17-530.2 - Standard Disclosure or Consent Form

(a)    (1)    A licensed real estate broker, licensed associate real estate broker, or licensed real estate salesperson who participates in a residential real estate transaction shall utilize a standard disclosure form in each real estate transaction that includes the information specified in § 17–530(f) of this subtitle.
(2)    A licensed real estate broker or branch office manager who acts as a dual agent and a licensed real estate associate broker or licensed real estate salesperson who acts as an intra–company agent in a real estate transaction  shall utilize a standard consent form that includes the information specified in § 17–530.1(c) of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall prepare and provide:
(i)    the standard disclosure form required under subsection (a)(1) of this section to each licensee in this State; and
(ii)    the standard consent form for dual agency required under subsection (a)(2) of this section to each licensee in this State.
(2)    The standard disclosure form and the standard consent form for dual agency shall be:
(i)    written in a clear and coherent manner using words with common and everyday meanings;
(ii)    appropriately divided and captioned by their various sections; and
(iii)    printed in at least 10 point type.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part III - Duties of Licensees › Section 17-531 - Additional Duties and Obligations

This Part III of this subtitle does not prohibit a licensee and a client from entering a brokerage agreement that imposes on a licensee duties and obligations in addition to the duties and obligations specified in § 17-532 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part III - Duties of Licensees › Section 17-534 - Brokerage Relationship

(a)    A brokerage relationship commences at the time that a client enters into a brokerage agreement and shall continue until:
(1)    the completion of performance in accordance with the brokerage agreement; or
(2)    the earlier of:
(i)    any date of expiration as agreed on by the parties in the brokerage agreement or in any amendments to the brokerage agreement;
(ii)    any mutually agreed on termination of the brokerage relationship;
(iii)    a default by any party under the terms of the brokerage agreement; or
(iv)    a termination under § 17–530 of this subtitle.
(b)    The brokerage agreement shall:
(1)    have a definite termination date that is effective automatically without notice from the client;
(2)    state the amount of compensation to be paid to the broker and whether the broker is authorized to receive the compensation from a person other than the client;
(3)    state whether the broker is authorized to cooperate with other brokers and share compensation with the other brokers and the amount of the compensation;
(4)    explain the events or conditions that will entitle the broker to a commission or other compensation; and
(5)    contain a provision for the cancellation of the brokerage relationship by either the client or the broker.
(c)    Except as otherwise provided in the brokerage agreement, a licensee shall have no further duties or obligations to a client after the termination, expiration, or completion of performance of the brokerage relationship, except to:
(1)    account for all trust money in the licensee’s possession in accordance with this title; and
(2)    except as otherwise provided by this title or another law, keep confidential all personal and financial information received from the client during the course of the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship to be kept confidential, unless:
(i)    the client consents in writing to the disclosure of the information; or
(ii)    the information becomes public from a source other than the licensee.
(d)    The payment or promise of payment of compensation to a licensed real estate broker by a seller, lessor, buyer, or lessee, or by a licensee acting for a seller, lessor, buyer, or lessee:
(1)    is not determinative of whether a brokerage relationship has been created or exists; and
(2)    does not create or determine the existence of a brokerage relationship between a broker and a seller, lessor, buyer, lessee, or licensee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part III - Duties of Licensees › Section 17-535 - Common Source Information Company

(a)    A licensee may not be deemed to be an agent or subagent of or to have a brokerage relationship with a common source information company solely by reason of a licensee’s participation in a common source information company.
(b)    A licensee may not be deemed to be an agent or subagent of any client of another broker solely by reason of a licensee’s participation in or use of a common source information company.
(c)    A common source information company may not restrict access to its services to any licensee solely based on the size or type of licensee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part IV - Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Brokers › Section 17-536 - Definitions

(a)    In this Part IV of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Commercial real estate” means:
(i)    real property improved by five or more single–family units;
(ii)    improved and unimproved real property zoned for commercial, industrial, or nonresidential use by the local zoning authority of the county or municipality in which the property is located; or
(iii)    unimproved real property zoned for improvement as multifamily units by the local zoning authority of the county or municipality in which the property is located.
(2)    “Commercial real estate” does not include:
(i)    property zoned for agricultural use; and
(ii)    single–family units, including a condominium or co–op unit, for sale or for lease, or otherwise conveyed or to be conveyed on a single basis.
(c)    “Nonresident real estate broker” means an individual, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or corporation that is not licensed under Subtitle 3 of this title but is licensed to provide real estate brokerage services in a jurisdiction other than this State.
(d)    “Nonresident real estate salesperson” means an individual who is not licensed under Subtitle 3 of this title but is licensed to provide real estate brokerage services and is affiliated with a nonresident real estate broker.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part IV - Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Brokers › Section 17-538 - Authorization to Engage in a Commercial Real Estate Transaction; Nonresident Real Estate Salesperson

(a)    Upon approval by the Commission, a nonresident real estate broker may engage in a transaction in this State with respect to commercial real estate.
(b)    A nonresident real estate salesperson licensed in another jurisdiction and affiliated with a nonresident real estate broker may engage in a transaction in this State with respect to commercial real estate if:
(1)    the nonresident real estate salesperson is licensed with and provides real estate brokerage services under the direct supervision of the nonresident real estate broker;
(2)    the nonresident real estate broker satisfies the requirements of § 17-537 of this subtitle; and
(3)    the nonresident real estate salesperson provides real estate brokerage services in the name of the nonresident real estate broker.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part IV - Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Brokers › Section 17-539 - Trust Money

All trust money paid on account of a transaction involving commercial real estate in this State shall be received and deposited in the trust account of the Maryland broker in accordance with Part I of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part IV - Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Brokers › Section 17-540 - Executive Director as Agent for Process

By filing the written consent required under § 17-537(b)(6) of this subtitle, the nonresident real estate broker or nonresident real estate salesperson appoints the Executive Director of the Commission as agent to receive a subpoena, summons, or other process.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-543 - "Team" Defined

In this Part V of this subtitle, “team” means two or more licensed associate real estate brokers or licensed real estate salespersons, or any combination of licensed associate real estate brokers or licensed real estate salespersons, who:
(1)    work together on a regular basis to provide real estate brokerage services;
(2)    represent themselves to the public as being part of one entity; and
(3)    designate themselves by a collective name such as team or group, or by using the words “and associates”.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-544 - Team Leader; Duties; Lists

(a)    Each team shall designate a team leader who shall be:
(1)    a licensed associate real estate broker; or
(2)    a licensed real estate salesperson who has at least 3 years of experience in providing real estate brokerage services.
(b)    The team leader shall:
(1)    maintain a current list of all members and employees of the team; and
(2)    provide the list and any revisions of the list to the broker or the branch office manager of the brokerage with which the licensees are affiliated.
(c)    The real estate broker or branch office manager of a real estate broker shall:
(1)    maintain copies of the lists; and
(2)    make the copies available to the Commission on request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-545 - Supervision; Adherence to Rules, Practices, and Procedures

(a)    The team leader shall exercise reasonable and adequate supervision over the provision of real estate brokerage services by members of the team.
(b)    The responsibility of the team leader to supervise the associate real estate brokers and real estate salespersons on the team shall be in addition to the supervision responsibilities of the real estate broker and branch office manager of the real estate broker provided for in § 17–320 of this title.
(c)    The team leader and the members of the team shall adhere to all office rules, practices, and procedures established by the real estate broker and the branch office manager of the real estate broker.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-546 - Intracompany Agents

(a)    A real estate broker or a designee of the real estate broker may designate two members of a team as intracompany agents for the seller and the buyer in the same transaction if the parties have first been advised in writing that the licensees are part of the same team and the team could have a financial interest in the outcome of the transaction.
(b)    If a broker’s designee designates intracompany agents under subsection (a) of this section, the broker’s designee may not be a member of the real estate team.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-547 - Name; Advertising; Connection to Name of Brokerage

(a)    The name of the team may not contain the terms “real estate”, “real estate brokerage”, or any other term that would lead the public to believe that the team is offering real estate brokerage services independent of the real estate broker.
(b)    All advertising by the team must contain:
(1)    the name of the brokerage displayed in a meaningful and conspicuous way;
(2)    the name of at least one of the licensee members of the team; and
(3)    the telephone number of the real estate broker or branch office manager of the real estate broker.
(c)    The team name in the advertisement must be directly connected to the name of the brokerage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Part V - Provision of Real Estate Brokerage Services Through a Team › Section 17-548 - Conducting of Real Estate Brokerage Activities

Team members must conduct all real estate brokerage activities from the office or branch office where their licenses are displayed as provided in § 17–317 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-601 - Providing Real Estate Brokerage Services Without License

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide real estate brokerage services unless licensed by the Commission as a real estate broker.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not, on behalf of a real estate broker, provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide real estate brokerage services unless licensed by the Commission as an associate real estate broker or a real estate salesperson to provide real estate brokerage services for that real estate broker.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-602 - Misrepresentation

(a)    Unless authorized under this title to provide real estate brokerage services, a person may not represent to the public, by use of the title “licensed real estate broker”, by other title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to provide real estate brokerage services in the State.
(b)    Unless authorized under this title to provide real estate brokerage services on behalf of a real estate broker, a person may not represent to the public, by use of the titles “licensed associate real estate broker” or “licensed real estate salesperson”, by other title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to provide real estate brokerage services in the State on behalf of that real estate broker.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-603 - Real Estate Brokerage Services by Unauthorized Individuals; Lending License of Real Estate Broker

(a)    A real estate broker may not allow an associate real estate broker, a real estate salesperson, or any other unauthorized individual to provide real estate brokerage services independently as a real estate broker.
(b)    A real estate broker may not retain an unlicensed individual to provide real estate brokerage services on behalf of the real estate broker.
(c)    A licensed real estate broker may not lend the license certificate or pocket card of the broker to another individual.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-604 - Paying Compensation

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson may not pay compensation, in any form, for the provision of real estate brokerage services to any person who is not licensed under this title.
(b)    Subsection (a) of this section does not prohibit the payment of compensation to:
(1)    an individual:
(i)    who is licensed in another state; and
(ii)    who meets the requirements of § 17–513 of this title;
(2)    a professional service corporation formed under § 17–512 of this title;
(3)    a limited liability company formed under § 17–512 of this title;
(4)    a business entity formed under § 17–512 of this title; or
(5)    a title insurance producer licensed under Title 10 of the Insurance Article acting in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(c)    During the settlement of property, a licensed title insurance producer may, on behalf of a real estate broker and in accordance with a written disbursement authorization provided by the real estate broker, pay compensation to:
(1)    an associate real estate broker;
(2)    a real estate salesperson; or
(3)    a business entity formed under § 17–512 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-605 - Prohibited Payments to Lawyers; Soliciting Referral Business

(a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson may not pay or offer to pay a commission to a lawyer simply for the referral of a person as a possible party to a residential real estate transaction.
(2)    A real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson may not solicit referral business from lawyers by a mass solicitation that offers to pay fees or commissions to the lawyers.
(b)    Subsection (a)(1) of this section does not apply to payments or offers of payments to lawyers who hold a real estate broker license under this title or are otherwise entitled to a commission.
(c)    Other than the commissions expressly prohibited, subsection (a) of this section does not prohibit the payment or the offer of a payment of a commission by a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson to a lawyer for any service that relates to a real estate transaction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-606 - Advertisements on Property Showing Cost and Capitalization of Ground Rent

A real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson may not post, on real property that is offered for sale or exchange, an outdoor sign or other advertisement on which the cost and capitalization of ground rent on the real property is shown in print or lettering that is smaller than the size of the print or lettering that is used to show the price of the real property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-607 - Designation of Title Insurance, Settlement, or Escrow Company, Mortgage Lender, Financial Institution, or Title Lawyer

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, in a real estate transaction involving a single-family dwelling, a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, a real estate salesperson, or a lawyer acting as a real estate broker may not require a buyer, as a condition of settlement, to employ a particular:
(1)    title insurance company;
(2)    settlement company;
(3)    escrow company;
(4)    mortgage lender, or financial institution as defined in the Financial Institutions Article; or
(5)    title lawyer.
(b)    A seller may not be prohibited from offering owner financing as a condition of settlement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-608 - "Blockbusting" Prohibited

(a)    (1)    In this subsection, “handicap” and “familial status” each have the meanings indicated in the federal Fair Housing Act.
(2)    Whether or not acting for monetary gain, a person may not knowingly induce or attempt to induce another person to sell or rent a dwelling or otherwise transfer real estate or knowingly discourage or attempt to discourage another person from buying real estate by:
(i)    making representations about the entry or prospective entry into a neighborhood of individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin;
(ii)    making representations about the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin; or
(iii)    representing that the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin will or may result in:
1.    the lowering of property values;
2.    a change in the racial, religious, or ethnic character of the block, neighborhood, or area;
3.    an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior in the area; or
4.    a decline in the quality of schools serving the area.
(b)    A person may not provide financial assistance by loan, gift, or otherwise to another person if the person has actual knowledge that the financial assistance will be used in a transaction that results from a violation of subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-609 - Solicitation of Residential Listings

If one of the purposes of the solicitation or attempted solicitation is to change the racial composition of a neighborhood, a person may not solicit or attempt to solicit the listing of residential properties for sale or lease by:
(1)    in person door-to-door solicitation;
(2)    telephone solicitation; or
(3)    mass distribution of circulars.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-612 - Violations by Corporation, Partnership, or Other Association

A corporation, partnership, or other association may not:
(1)    commit or cause any other person to commit any act that constitutes a ground for disciplinary action against a licensee under § 17-322 or § 17-328 of this title; or
(2)    violate or cause any other person to violate any other provision of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-613 - Penalties

(a)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, a person who violates any provision of the following sections of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction for a first offense is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both:
(1)    § 17–502;
(2)    § 17–525;
(3)    § 17–526;
(4)    § 17–527;
(5)    § 17–530;
(6)    § 17–532;
(7)    § 17–601;
(8)    § 17–602;
(9)    § 17–603;
(10)    § 17–604;
(11)    § 17–605;
(12)    § 17–606;
(13)    § 17–607;
(14)    § 17–608;
(15)    § 17–609;
(16)    § 17–610; or
(17)    § 17–611.
(b)    A corporation, partnership, or other association that violates § 17–612 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine:
(1)    not exceeding $5,000 for a first violation;
(2)    not exceeding $15,000 for a second violation; and
(3)    not exceeding $25,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
(c)    (1)    The Commission may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding:
(i)    $5,000 for a first violation;
(ii)    $15,000 for a second violation; and
(iii)    $25,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
(2)    In setting the amount of the penalty, the Board shall consider:
(i)    the seriousness of the violation;
(ii)    the harm caused by the violation;
(iii)    the good faith of the violator;
(iv)    any history of previous violations by the violator; and
(v)    any other relevant factors.
(3)    The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.
(d)    (1)    Any person found guilty of a second violation of any provision of the sections listed in subsection (a) of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $15,000 or 2 years imprisonment or both.
(2)    Any person found guilty of a third or subsequent violation of any provision of the sections listed in subsection (a) of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or 3 years imprisonment or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 17 - Real Estate Brokers › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 17-614 - Report of Convictions

A court shall report to the Commission for appropriate action under this title each conviction of a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson for a violation of any provision of the following sections of this title:
(1)    § 17-608;
(2)    § 17-525; and
(3)    § 17-526.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Occupations and Professions › Title 18 - Security Systems Technicians › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 18-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Circumventional information” means information, including pass codes, that allows an individual to alter the operation of a security system.
(2)    “Circumventional information” does not include generic user or installation manuals.
(c)    “Firm” means a partnership or corporation.
(d)    “Firm member” means a partner of a partnership or an officer or director of a corporation.
(e)    “License” means a license issued by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee to engage in the business of providing security systems services for compensation.
(f)    “Providing security systems services” means providing, on the premises of a person’s residential or commercial property, the service of:
(1)    surveying the property for purposes of installing a security system;
(2)    physically installing, maintaining, or repairing a security system for the customer; or
(3)    responding to a distress call or an alarm sounding from a security system.
(g)    “Representative member” means a firm member who is appointed under this title to act on behalf of the firm.
(h)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of State Police or the Secretary’s designee.
(i)    “Security systems agency” means an individual or a firm that conducts a business that provides security systems services.
(j)    “Security systems technician” means a person who personally provides security systems services.