Classes of Licences and Licensing Timelines in Alberta
The Real Estate Act Rules outline the various classes of licences available for individuals and brokerages involved in condominium management. The licence classes are designed to regulate the activities of condominium managers and ensure accountability and compliance with Alberta legislation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Classes of Condominium Management Licences
Licence Expiry, Renewal, and Termination
Steps to Renew a Licence Before Expiry
Key Takeaways
Types of Licences
Broker Licence:
Allows an individual to operate a condominium management brokerage and oversee its activities.
“No person shall operate as a brokerage unless that person holds a broker licence issued by the Registrar.”
Associate Broker Licence:
Allows an individual to work for a brokerage in a supervisory capacity under the broker’s direction.
“An associate broker may perform activities of a condominium manager but must remain under the supervision of a broker.”
Associate Licence:
Enables an individual to provide condominium management services under the supervision of a licensed broker.
“An associate licence is required for any individual providing condominium management services who is not acting as a broker or associate broker.”
Purpose of Licence Classes
These classes ensure a structured hierarchy within condominium management brokerages, where associates are supervised by brokers and associate brokers, promoting accountability and compliance.
Licence Expiry, Renewal, and Termination
Licence Expiry
All licences issued under the Real Estate Act have specific terms and expiration dates.
“Licences expire on September 30 of the licensing year unless otherwise specified by the Registrar.”
Licences must be renewed annually to remain valid.
Renewal of Licences
Deadline for Renewal:
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry date (September 30).
Conditions for Renewal:
Completion of mandatory re-licensing education.
“Licensees must satisfy all re-licensing education requirements before submitting a renewal application.”
Payment of applicable renewal fees.
Consequences of Failing to Renew:
Failure to renew a licence by the expiry date results in automatic termination.
“A licence not renewed by its expiry date is deemed to have lapsed and cannot be reinstated without a new application.”
Termination of Licences
Voluntary Termination:
A licensee may voluntarily terminate their licence by notifying the Registrar.
“A licensee must submit written notice to the Registrar to voluntarily terminate a licence.”
Involuntary Termination:
The Registrar may terminate a licence for reasons such as:
Failing to meet re-licensing requirements.
Violations of the Real Estate Act or related regulations.
“The Registrar may cancel or suspend a licence if the licensee is found to be non-compliant with the Act or the rules.”
Steps to Renew a Licence Before Expiry
Illustrated Scenario
Case Study: John is a licensed condominium manager associate working for a brokerage in Alberta. His licence is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Below are the steps John needs to take to renew his licence:
Complete Re-Licensing Education
John logs into the RECA portal and verifies the re-licensing education requirements for condominium managers.
He enrolls in and completes the mandatory re-licensing course before September 15, 2025.
Legislative Reference:“Licensees must complete all mandatory re-licensing education requirements to renew a licence.”
Submit the Renewal Application:
John submits his renewal application through the RECA online system, including:
Proof of re-licensing education completion.
Payment of the renewal fee.
“An application for renewal must be submitted in the prescribed form, including the required fees.”
Await Approval: The Registrar reviews the application and confirms John’s eligibility for renewal.
Receive Confirmation: John receives confirmation of renewal and continues to provide condominium management services without interruption.
Outcome of Non-Renewal
If John fails to complete his re-licensing education or submit his renewal application by September 30, 2025, his licence will expire, and he will need to apply for a new licence to resume practicing.
“A licence that has expired cannot be reinstated without submission of a new application.”
Key Takeaways
Classes of Licences:
Broker, Associate Broker, and Associate licences regulate hierarchy and accountability in condominium management.
Licence Expiry and Renewal:
Licences expire annually on September 30 and must be renewed before this date to remain valid.
Practical Application:
Licensees must follow a structured process to complete re-licensing education, submit renewal applications, and avoid interruptions to their practice.
By understanding and applying these concepts, licensees can ensure compliance with Alberta’s licensing regulations and maintain their ability to provide professional condominium management services.
