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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

Robert is a licensed Massachusetts real estate broker who also operates a property management company. A tenant files a complaint with the Board alleging that Robert collected security deposits in excess of the amount permitted by Massachusetts law and failed to maintain them in a separate escrow account. If the Board substantiates the complaint, which of the following best describes Robert's potential exposure?

Correct Answer

D) Robert faces disciplinary action by the Board and potential civil liability under Massachusetts security deposit law, which are separate and independent consequences

Property management activities performed by a licensed real estate broker in Massachusetts fall within the Board's regulatory jurisdiction. Violations involving improper handling of security deposits constitute both a breach of license law obligations (commingling, mishandling of client funds) and a violation of Massachusetts security deposit statutes (MGL Chapter 186, Section 15B). These create independent exposure: Board disciplinary action and civil liability to the tenant under state landlord-tenant law.

Answer Options
A
Robert faces disciplinary action by the Board only, because property management is a licensed real estate activity in Massachusetts
B
Robert faces no Board disciplinary action because security deposit violations are governed exclusively by the Attorney General's Office
C
Robert faces disciplinary action by the Board only if the tenant can prove actual financial harm from the security deposit violation
D
Robert faces disciplinary action by the Board and potential civil liability under Massachusetts security deposit law, which are separate and independent consequences

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

property_managementsecurity_depositcomminglingdisciplinary_actions

Related Concepts

A tie-in arrangement is an illegal antitrust practice in which a seller conditions the purchase of one product or service on the buyer's agreement to purchase a separate product or service.

A trust account, also called an escrow account, is a separate bank account maintained by a broker to hold funds belonging to others, such as earnest money deposits, security deposits, or other client funds.

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

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