Trusted Torrance Real Estate License Defense Attorney
Real estate license holders pour countless hours into developing their careers. When faced with a complaint, investigation, or other disciplinary matter, you may want to seek advice from a Torrance real estate license defense lawyer. Real estate license issues can occur when you least expect them to. Even if you believe that a filed complaint or claim against you may not have any merit, it can escalate to a serious disciplinary action if you try to handle it alone.
About Century Law Group LLP
At Century Law Group LLP, our law firm serves professional license holders, businesses, and property owners all across California. We have combined our years of litigation experience with a realistic view of the businesses and industries we serve. Licensing issues can be daunting as they can impact your career, reputation, and future.
Our lawyers take the time to learn about your situation and develop real estate license defense strategies that allow you to work through your matter and stay focused on your daily business.
Understanding California Real Estate License Defense Issues
In California, real estate agents and brokers are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). The DRE issues licenses to qualified applicants and investigates complaints made against real estate license holders. As of June 2025, there were 424,188 licensed real estate professionals in California, including 120,718 brokers and 303,470 salespeople, according to the DRE.
The DRE takes complaints seriously and typically opens an investigation to determine if a license holder needs to be disciplined. Investigations can include requests for documents and information, interviews with you and other parties, audits, and verification of transaction records.
Real estate license holders throughout Torrance and those who work with clients buying or selling near Del Amo Fashion Center, Pacific Coast Highway, or any other neighborhood in Torrance, California may face a licensing issue at any time.
Common Complaints Against Real Estate Licensees
Real estate license defense can involve many different types of complaints. Whether the issue relates to your conduct as a professional or a transaction dispute with a client, Century Law Group LLP can assist you. Some common complaints include:
- Failure to properly disclose information during a real estate transaction
- Making a misrepresentation
- Fraud
- Mishandling of trust funds
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Conducting an activity without a license
- False advertising
- Criminal convictions
- Negligence
Each situation is unique and depends on the specific facts of your case. A serious allegation with substantive evidence could result in severe consequences. Additionally, a history of disciplinary actions is likely to result in harsher penalties for subsequent offenses.
California Laws That Affect Real Estate Licensees
As a real estate licensee in California, there are laws that you should be aware of. The California Business and Professions Code § 10176 and § 10177 outline many activities that could get you into trouble. These two sections provide a non-exclusive list of violations that can result in discipline being handed down to a real estate licensee.
The California Real Estate Law covers all licensing matters. Your license is issued under this law, and the DRE has the ability to issue citations, conduct investigations, and take disciplinary action against your license if you violate any provisions.
Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences can range from a simple warning or citation to suspension or revocation of your license. In some cases, you could also face civil litigation or criminal charges in addition to administrative discipline.
Hire a Real Estate License Defense Lawyer
Administrative hearings can be intimidating, and they can often have lasting effects on your career. For this reason, many real estate licensees choose to hire a real estate license defense lawyer when they receive notice that the DRE has opened an investigation against them. You may need to gather documents or evidence for your lawyer to defend you. Having a Torrance real estate license defense attorney allows you to focus on running your business.
Attorneys understand the statutes, real estate license laws, and regulations that the DRE uses to evaluate your situation. They can also advise you on what information you should provide and what may hurt your case if disclosed. After investigating your claim, your lawyer can identify the most effective path forward. You should know and understand your rights when dealing with the DRE.
FAQs
Can a Real Estate License Investigation Affect My Ability to Renew My License?
Yes. If you have an investigation pending, depending on the issue and where it is in the process, your renewal could be affected. The California Department of Real Estate reviews all data regarding an applicant’s qualifications and history of compliance. An issue that has not resulted in discipline can still be open and needs further inquiry prior to issuing a renewal.
Do Complaints Against Real Estate Agents Become Public Record?
Some disciplinary actions taken against a licensee can become part of the public record. Complaints are not necessarily available to the public. If discipline occurs, consumers and employers might have access to information about the action through state licensing agency searches online or via other means. Disclosure to the public may vary depending on the status of the licensing issue and its resolution.
What Happens if a Former Client Files a Complaint Years After a Transaction Closes?
Complaints are sometimes investigated even if the alleged transaction happened many years ago. Regulators may review records, disclosures, contracts, and correspondence related to the subject of the complaint. Even if a complaint is quite old, it can still be looked into. However, the availability of relevant evidence could have a large bearing on the case.
Can Disciplinary Action in Another State Affect My California Real Estate License?
Yes. The California Department of Real Estate may investigate for cause any discipline issued by another licensing agency. So if you get into trouble with your license in another state, they may look into it to see if your ability to hold a license in California is affected. It all depends on the circumstances.
Contact Century Law Group LLP
Understanding your rights under California’s real estate license rules and looking into available real estate license defense methods can be crucial steps in preserving both your license and your future profession if you are facing a DRE investigation or disciplinary case. Century Law Group LLP can help. Contact us today for a consultation.
