§ 5-20.5-1 Definitions
§ 5-20.5-2 Persons exempt
§ 5-20.5-3 Contents of application – Application fee – Recommendations required
§ 5-20.5-4 Examination of applicants – Examination fee – Licensing without examination
§ 5-20.5-5 Real estate recovery account
§ 5-20.5-6 Duration and renewal of licenses – Continuing education rules and regulations – Suspension or revocation of licenses
§ 5-20.5-7 Fixed office required – Display of license – Notice of change of address and employment
§ 5-20.5-8 Corporations, partnerships, or associations engaging in business
§ 5-20.5-9 Temporary license issued to representative of deceased broker
§ 5-20.5-10 Nonresident brokers – Employment of unlicensed brokers restricted – Nonresident salespersons – Service of process
§ 5-20.5-11 Fees and license renewals
§ 5-20.5-12 Commission – Creation – Composition – Appointment, terms, and compensation of members – Officers – Deputy directors – Seal
§ 5-20.5-13
§ 5-20.5-14 Revocation, suspension of license – Probationary period – Penalties
§ 5-20.5-15 Hearings before revocation or suspension of license
§ 5-20.5-16 Appeals
§ 5-20.5-17 Penalties for violations
§ 5-20.5-18 Department assistance in educational programs
§ 5-20.5-19 Real estate courses and schools – Regulation – Issue and revocation of permits – Exceptions
§ 5-20.5-20 Real estate school permit – Fees – Penalty for operation without permit prohibited
§ 5-20.5-21 Actions for recovery of fee or commission
§ 5-20.5-22 Severability
§ 5-20.5-23
§ 5-20.5-24
§ 5-20.5-25 Errors and omissions insurance required of real estate licensees
§ 5-20.5-26 Escrows
§ 5-20.5-27 License required for ownership
§ 5-20.5-28 Order to cease unsafe practices – Appeal

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws > Chapter 5-20.5 - Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

  • Accuser: means a person who signs and swears to charges, any person who directs that charges nominally be signed and sworn to by another, and any person who has an interest, other than an official interest, in the prosecution of the accused;
    (2) "Active state duty" means full-time duty in the active military service of the state under an order of the governor issued under authority vested in the governor by law, and includes travel to and from that duty;
    (3) "Code" means this chapter;
    (4) "Commanding officer" includes only commissioned officers;
    (5) "Commissioned officer" includes a commissioned warrant officer;
    (6) "Convening authority" includes, in addition to the person who convened the court, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, or a successor in command;
    (7) "Duty status other than active state duty" means any type of required duty other than that set forth in subdivision (2) of this section and includes travel to and from that duty;
    (8) "Enlisted member" means a person in an enlisted grade;
    (9) "Grade" means a step or degree, in a graduated scale of office or military rank, that is established and designed as a grade by law or regulation;
    (10) Law officer" means an official of a general court-martial detailed in accordance with § 30-13-28
    (11) "Law specialist" means a commissioned officer of the organized naval militia of the state designated for special duty (law);
    (12) "Legal officer" means any commissioned officer of the organized naval militia of the state designated to perform legal duties for a command;
    (13) "May" is used in a permissive sense. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-13-1
  • Acquittal:
    1. Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
    2. A verdict of "not guilty."
     
  • Advisory committee: means the veterans' services strategic plan advisory committee as established in § 30-17. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-17.1-9
  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Affirmed: In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.
  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Appraisal: A determination of property value.
  • Appropriation: The provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes. The formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: authorization
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
  • Associate broker: means any licensed real estate broker employed or engaged as an independent contractor by or on behalf of a licensed real estate broker to do or deal in any activity as included or comprehended by the definitions of a real estate broker in subsection (5) of this section, for compensation or otherwise. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-20.5-1
  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Attorney-at-law: A person who is legally qualified and licensed to practice law, and to represent and act for clients in legal proceedings.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Bankruptcy: Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may discharge their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings.
  • Beneficiary: A person who is entitled to receive the benefits or proceeds of a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract. Source: OCC
  • Bioterrorism: means the intentional use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally occurring or bioengineered component of any such microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product, to cause death, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, an animal, a plant or other living organism;

    (2)  "Disaster" means occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including, but not limited to:

    (i)  Fire;

    (ii)  Flood;

    (iii)  Earthquake;

    (iv)  Wind, storm, wave action, oil spill, or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage;

    (v)  Volcanic activity;

    (vi)  Epidemic;

    (vii)  Air contamination;

    (viii)  Blight;

    (ix)  Drought;

    (x)  Infestation;

    (xi)  Explosion;

    (xii)  Riots;

    (xiii)  Hostile military or paramilitary action;

    (xiv)  Endangerment of the health, safety, or resources of the people of the state;

    (xv)  Acts of bioterrorism;

    (3)  "Political subdivision" means any city or town in Rhode Island; and

    (4)  "Unorganized militia" means all able-bodied persons between the ages of sixteen (16) and fifty (50) years. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-15-3

  • Chief judge: The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court but also decides cases; chief judges are determined by seniority.
  • Commanding officer: includes only commissioned officers;
    (5) "Commissioned officer" includes a commissioned warrant officer;
    (6) "Convening authority" includes, in addition to the person who convened the court, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, or a successor in command;
    (7) "Duty status other than active state duty" means any type of required duty other than that set forth in subdivision (2) of this section and includes travel to and from that duty;
    (8) "Enlisted member" means a person in an enlisted grade;
    (9) "Grade" means a step or degree, in a graduated scale of office or military rank, that is established and designed as a grade by law or regulation;
    (10) Law officer" means an official of a general court-martial detailed in accordance with § 30-13-28
    (11) "Law specialist" means a commissioned officer of the organized naval militia of the state designated for special duty (law);
    (12) "Legal officer" means any commissioned officer of the organized naval militia of the state designated to perform legal duties for a command;
    (13) "May" is used in a permissive sense. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-13-1
  • Committee: means the veterans' committee pursuant to the provisions of § 30-17. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-17.1-9
  • Common disaster: A sudden and extraordinary misfortune that brings about the simultaneous or near-simultaneous deaths of two or more associated persons, such as husband and wife.
  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Concurrent resolution: A legislative measure, designated "S. Con. Res." and numbered consecutively upon introduction, generally employed to address the sentiments of both chambers, to deal with issues or matters affecting both houses, such as a concurrent budget resolution, or to create a temporary joint committee. Concurrent resolutions are not submitted to the President/Governor and thus do not have the force of law.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Deed: The legal instrument used to transfer title in real property from one person to another.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
  • Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
  • Director: means the director of business regulation for the state. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-20.5-1
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Dower: A widow
  • Embezzlement: In most states, embezzlement is defined as theft/larceny of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust or responsibility over those assets. Embezzlement typically occurs in the employment and corporate settings. Source: OCC
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Ex officio: Literally, by virtue of one's office.
  • Executor: A male person named in a will to carry out the decedent
  • Extradition: The formal process of delivering an accused or convicted person from authorities in one state to authorities in another state.
  • Fair market value: The price at which an asset would change hands in a transaction between a willing, informed buyer and a willing, informed seller.
  • Fee simple: Absolute title to property with no limitations or restrictions regarding the person who may inherit it.
  • Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
  • Foreclosure: A legal process in which property that is collateral or security for a loan may be sold to help repay the loan when the loan is in default. Source: OCC
  • Forgery: The fraudulent signing or alteration of another's name to an instrument such as a deed, mortgage, or check. The intent of the forgery is to deceive or defraud. Source: OCC
  • Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
  • Grantor: The person who establishes a trust and places property into it.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • in writing: include printing, engraving, lithographing, and photo-lithographing, and all other representations of words in letters of the usual form. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-16
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • Military: refers to any or all of the armed forces;
    (15) "Military court" means a court-martial, a court of inquiry, or a provost court;
    (16) "Officer" means commissioned or warrant officer;
    (17) "Rank" means the order of precedence among members of the state military forces;
    (18) "Shall" is used in an imperative sense;
    (19) "State judge advocate" means the commissioned officer on the staff of the adjutant general responsible for supervising military justice in the state military forces;
    (20) "State military forces" means the national guard of the state, as defined in 32 U. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-13-1
  • Military court: means a court-martial, a court of inquiry, or a provost court;
    (16) "Officer" means commissioned or warrant officer;
    (17) "Rank" means the order of precedence among members of the state military forces;
    (18) "Shall" is used in an imperative sense;
    (19) "State judge advocate" means the commissioned officer on the staff of the adjutant general responsible for supervising military justice in the state military forces;
    (20) "State military forces" means the national guard of the state, as defined in 32 U. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-13-1
  • Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
  • Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • oath: includes affirmation; the word "sworn" includes affirmed; and the word "engaged" includes either sworn or affirmed. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-11
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
  • Opinion of value: means an analysis, opinion, or conclusion prepared by a person licensed under this chapter, in the ordinary course of his or her business relating to the price of specified interests in or aspects of identified real estate or identified real property or by comparison to other real property currently or recently sold in the marketplace for the purpose of listing, purchase, or sale, excluding an appraisal prepared by a person licensed under the provisions of chapter 20. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-20.5-1
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
  • Personal property: All property that is not real property.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Public law: A public bill or joint resolution that has passed both chambers and been enacted into law. Public laws have general applicability nationwide.
  • Quorum: The number of legislators that must be present to do business.
  • Real estate: as used in this chapter , includes leaseholds as well as any and every interest or estate in land, whether corporeal or incorporeal, freehold or non-freehold, and whether the property is situated in this state or elsewhere. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-20.5-1
  • real estate: may be construed to include lands, tenements, and hereditaments and rights thereto and interests therein. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-10
  • Real estate salesperson: means and includes any person employed or engaged as an independent contractor by or on behalf of a licensed real estate broker to do or deal in any activity as included or comprehended by the definitions of a real estate broker in subsection (5) of this section, for compensation or otherwise. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-20.5-1
  • Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
  • Recourse: An arrangement in which a bank retains, in form or in substance, any credit risk directly or indirectly associated with an asset it has sold (in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) that exceeds a pro rata share of the bank's claim on the asset. If a bank has no claim on an asset it has sold, then the retention of any credit risk is recourse. Source: FDIC
  • Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
  • Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
  • seal: shall be construed to include an impression of the seal made with or without the use of wax or wafer on the paper. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-15
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
  • State agencies: means state entities responsible for the implementation of services for Rhode Island veterans and their families including:

    (i)  The office of veterans services;

    (ii)  The Rhode Island public transit authority;

    (iii)  The department of human services;

    (iv)  The office of postsecondary education;

    (v)  The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals;

    (vi)  The department of health;

    (vii)  The office of healthy aging;

    (viii)  The department of business regulation;

    (ix)  The Rhode Island veteran's court;

    (x)  The department of labor and training;

    (xi)  The Rhode Island commerce corporation;

    (xii)  The office of the secretary of state; and

    (xiii)  The Rhode Island national guard. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-17.1-9

  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Statute of limitations: A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Superior commissioned officer: means a commissioned officer superior in rank or command. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-13-1
  • temporary housing: as used in this chapter , shall have the same meaning as the terms are defined, or used, in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, 42 U. See Rhode Island General Laws 30-15.6-5
  • Tenancy in common: A type of property ownership in which two or more individuals have an undivided interest in property. At the death of one tenant in common, his (her) fractional percentage of ownership in the property passes to the decedent
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Tort: A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.
  • town: may be construed to include city; the words "town council" include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
  • town council: include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.
  • United States: include the several states and the territories of the United States. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-8
  • Voice vote: A vote in which the Presiding Officer states the question, then asks those in favor and against to say "Yea" or "Nay," respectively, and announces the result according to his or her judgment. The names or numbers of legisators voting on each side are not recorded.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
  • Writ of certiorari: An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal.