TRESA in Plain English: What Actually Changed for Ontario Agents
- Ricky Rathore
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
REBBA is gone. TRESA runs the show now — and if your understanding of the rules stopped in 2022, you're working off an old map.
The name change nobody explained to you
The Trust in Real Estate Services Act replaced REBBA in stages, fully in force since December 2023. New Code of Ethics, new disclosure rules, new ways you're allowed to represent people. Same licence — different rulebook.
Designated representation is your new option
Under REBBA, if two agents in the same brokerage had the buyer and the seller, the whole brokerage was in multiple representation. TRESA lets the brokerage designate each agent to represent only their own client.
One brokerage, two deals, two designated representatives — a far cleaner conflict picture.
It's optional and it's a brokerage-level choice. Know how yours handles it.
"Self-represented party" replaced the customer
The old customer relationship is gone. A person you don't represent is now a self-represented party, and you owe them specific, limited obligations. Treat them wrong and it's a Code of Ethics issue.
The RECO Information Guide is mandatory
Before a representation or self-represented arrangement begins, the client gets the RECO Information Guide and you confirm it. It's not optional paperwork — a missing guide is a documented deficiency, and the good brokerages check for it on every file.
More disclosure, less wiggle room
TRESA widened what you must disclose and when — conflicts, the nature of your relationship, how you're paid. The theme of the whole Act is in its name. Disclose early, disclose in writing.
Quick answers
What replaced REBBA in Ontario?
The Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), fully in force since December 1, 2023, with a new Code of Ethics.
What is designated representation?
A TRESA option where a brokerage assigns individual representatives to each client, so two agents in one brokerage can represent a buyer and seller without the whole brokerage being in multiple representation.
What is a self-represented party?
A person in a trade who isn't your client. TRESA replaced the old "customer" model — you owe self-represented parties limited, defined obligations, not representation.
Is the RECO Information Guide required?
Yes. It must be provided and acknowledged before a representation or self-represented arrangement begins. A missing guide is a real compliance gap.
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Ricky Rathore, ABR, SRS, FRI
Founding Partner and Lawyer
Broker of Record and Owner - RE/MAX Metropolis Realty, Brokerage
A note from the lawyer: this is general information, not legal advice, and reading it doesn't make me your lawyer. Rules change and every situation differs - confirm current requirements with RECO and get advice on your own facts before you act.
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