TRESA
Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002
Ontario's law for real estate agents and brokerages, whose main consumer rules took effect on 1 December 2023 and are enforced by RECO.
TRESA is the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002, the Ontario law that governs real estate brokerages and agents. It used to be called the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002. Bill 145, passed in 2020, renamed it and set up a series of reforms. The key changes for buyers, sellers and renters took effect on 1 December 2023. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) regulates agents and brokerages under it.
Under the current rules, you deal with a brokerage in one of two ways. You are a client if you sign a representation agreement. If not, you are a self-represented party. A client is owed undivided loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality and avoidance of conflicts. A self-represented party handles their own pricing, terms and paperwork, and the other side's agent can pass on what they say.
Before providing any services or assistance, an agent must give you the RECO Information Guide and explain it. A self-represented party also receives an Information and Disclosure to Self-represented Party form. TRESA also brought in designated representation, where one or more named agents represent you instead of the whole brokerage.
Two other rules matter in a sale. Multiple representation, where one brokerage or agent acts for competing clients, is not allowed unless every client agrees in writing after written disclosure. Buyers who make an offer are entitled to know the number of competing offers. Sellers decide whether to share the content of offers, and must give clear written direction first.
Commission is negotiable and is not set by RECO, government or any real estate board. Your agreement must state what you will pay and when that amount could change. TRESA applies only in Ontario, and other provinces have their own laws and regulators.
Sources
- RECO: TRESA explained
- RECO Information Guide (PDF)
- RECO Bulletin 2.1: RECO Information Guide (PDF)
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Bill 145, Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020
Last reviewed October 16, 2026.
Go deeper
Related terms in Property & Ownership
- Buyer's Agent vs Listing Agent A listing agent represents the seller and a buyer's agent represents the buyer, and in Ontario each owes full duties only to their own client.
- Condo vs Freehold Condo owners hold a unit plus a share of common elements and pay fees, while freehold owners hold the whole lot and handle all upkeep.
- Property Manager A person or company paid to run a rental or condo for an owner, handling tenants, rent, repairs and records, with licensing set by each province.
- Real Estate Commission The negotiable fee a brokerage earns for helping you buy or sell, with the amount and who pays it set out in your written agreement.
General information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by province; confirm the current details with the relevant authority before you rely on them.