HWI LEG Exclusive Listing Agreements


On May 1, HWI LEG passed bill on unfair exclusive listing agreements.


  • HWI LEG passed bill SB 2861 to prohibit unfair long-term exclusive listing agreements.
  • Adds new section to Part I, Chapter 481B, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HWI LEG 481B).
  • Background
  • Legislature finds that companies are targeting vulnerable property owners to sign long-term exclusive listing agreements in exchange for a nominal payment upfront.
  • Agreements are then recorded as liens; these complex contracts are essentially high-interest loans that make selling, refinancing, transferring property difficult for owners.
  • Bill Provisions
  • Makes certain long-term exclusive listing agreements for the sale of residential real property void and unenforceable under law governing unfair and deceptive practices.
  • Agreements include those that last longer than 12 months, purport to run with land, create a lien, or allow assignment of right to provide services without owner consent.
  • Prohibits the recording or filing of exclusive listing agreements of any duration.
  • Establishes certain remedies for persons subject to unfair exclusive listing agreements.
  • Legislative History
  • On Jan. 19, 2024, bill introduced in the Senate; on Mar. 5, 2024, bill passed in Senate.
  • On Mar. 5, 2024, bill introduced in House; on Apr. 4, 2024, bill passed in House.
  • On May 1, 2024, bill passed final reading as amended in both Senate and House.
  • Effectiveness
  • If enacted, bill takes effect on Nov. 1, 2024.
  • Jul. 2024 HWI LEG Governor Approval
  • On Jul. 2, 2024, HWI LEG reported governor signed bill as Act 176, effect Nov 1, 2024.

Regulators HWI LEG
Entity Types CNSM; Corp; MG Orig
Reference Act 176, 7/2/2024; Bill SB2861 SD1 HD1 CD1, 5/1/2024; Citation: HWI LEG 481B;
Functions Compliance; Fraud; Legal; Market Conduct; Product Administration; Sales Practices
Countries United States of America
Category
State
Products Corporate; Mortgage
Regions Am
Rule Type Final
Rule Date 5/1/2024
Effective Date 11/1/2024
Rule Id 210302
Linked to N/A
Reg. Last Update 7/2/2024
Report Section US Consumer

Last substantive update on 07/06/2024