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Regulatory ComplianceTrust AccountsMEDIUM

A real estate brokerage discovers an error in their trust account reconciliation showing a shortage of $5,000. What is the most appropriate immediate action under Ontario's regulations?

Correct Answer

D) Immediately notify the provincial regulator and take corrective action

O. Reg. 579/05 s. 14 says that if a brokerage determines there is a shortfall in its trust account, it shall immediately notify the registrar of the shortfall and deposit sufficient funds in the account to eliminate it. Notifying the registrar under TRESA and restoring the $5,000 are the corrective steps the regulation requires.

Answer Options
A
Wait until month-end to see if the shortage resolves itself
B
Transfer funds from the operating account to cover the shortage without reporting
C
Reduce commission payments to agents to cover the shortage
D
Immediately notify the provincial regulator and take corrective action

Why This Is the Correct Answer

This answer mirrors O. Reg. 579/05 s. 14: the brokerage must immediately notify the registrar and take corrective action by depositing enough funds to eliminate the shortfall. Both steps happen at once, not after an internal wait.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

trust account shortfallO. Reg. 579/05 s. 14registrarreconciliationOntario
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