SB 520

This bill establishes a licensure program for professional leasing and renting

agents administered by the Real Estate Examining Board. The bill defines

“professional leasing and renting” as, for compensation 1) renting or leasing real

estate to a tenant; 2) making representations about the condition of real estate

available for lease or rent; 3) showing real estate that is offered exclusively for lease

or rent; 4) directing potential tenants about how to complete and sign lease

agreements or rental agreements for real estate; and 5) screening applicants for real

estate available for lease or rent.

Under the bill, and subject to certain exceptions, a person may engage in

professional leasing and renting in Wisconsin only if the person is licensed by the

examining board as a professional leasing and renting agent. The examining board

may grant a license to engage in professional leasing and renting to an applicant

who, among other things, is at least 18 years old, completes an educational program

approved by the examining board, passes an examination approved by the

examining board, and does not have a prior conviction for certain felonies or an

offense related to the practice of real estate. The bill requires a licensed professional

leasing and renting agent to complete continuing education requirements, as

determined by the board, every two years in order to renew the license.

The bill adds a person who is licensed as a professional leasing and renting

agent to the examining board. Under the bill, the examining board investigates,

holds hearings, and makes findings pertaining to violations of the bill, therefore,

certain violations by professional leasing and renting agents are punishable by a civil

forfeiture of up to $1,000 and other violations of the professional leasing and renting

provisions are punishable by a criminal fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months of jail

or both. The penalties under the bill are the same that apply under current law to

real estate brokers and salespersons. The bill also adds a person who is licensed as

a professional leasing and renting agent and who has at least two years of work

experience with that license to the Council on Real Estate Curriculum and

Examinations. Under current law, the examining board is required to consult with

the council before the examining board promulgates rules that establish criteria for

educational programs required for licensure in real estate professions and for

continuing education programs required for licensure in a real estate profession, and

the council also has certain other duties.