One of the recent regulatory changes that went into effect on April 1, 2026, deals with the requirements for places of business.  The language in section 18VAC135-20-160 of the regulations has been revised to align with statutory changes enacted in 2024. Previously, this section addressed operating a real estate business from a residence and imposed specific physical requirements, such as maintaining a separate entrance and ensuring accessibility for the public. Those provisions have now been removed. 

This means that a licensee is no longer subject to special physical space requirements if they choose to operate from a home office. A residence may be used as a place of business without needing modifications such as a dedicated entrance or designated client-access areas. However, an important distinction remains: if the licensee presents the home to the public as a regular, ongoing place of business, that will likely trigger the legal requirements associated with having a branch office. 

Just as under the previous version of the regulations, every principal broker is still required to make sure that certain items are readily available to the public at the firm’s primary place of business. These items include: (1) the firm’s license, (2) the principal broker’s license, and (3) the licenses of all salespersons and brokers who are active with the firm.  Additionally, each branch office must have the branch office license, and a roster with the names of every salesperson and broker assigned to that branch office, readily available.  

If you have questions about this article, please contact the Virginia REALTORS^® Legal Hotline.