# Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2138.1: Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2138.1

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2138.1
- **Heading:** Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 54.1 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 3 / Section 54.1-2138.1

## Text

A. A licensee may act as a limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction only pursuant to a written brokerage agreement in which the limited service agent (i) discloses that the licensee is acting as a limited service agent; (ii) provides a list of the specific services that the licensee will provide to the client; and (iii) provides a list of the specific duties of a standard agent set out in subdivision A 2 of § 54.1-2131 , subdivision A 3 of § 54.1-2132 , subdivision A 2 of § 54.1-2133 , or subdivision A 3 of § 54.1-2134 , as applicable, that the limited service agent will not provide to the client. Such disclosure shall be conspicuous and printed either in bold lettering or all capitals, and shall be underlined or in a separate box. In addition, a disclosure that contains language that complies substantially in effect with the following shall be deemed in compliance with this disclosure requirement:

"By entering into this brokerage agreement, the undersigned do hereby acknowledge their informed consent to the limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction by the licensee and do further acknowledge that neither the other party to the transaction nor any real estate licensee representing the other party is under any legal obligation to assist the undersigned with the performance of any duties and responsibilities of the undersigned not performed by the limited service agent."

A limited service agent shall disclose dual agency in accordance with § 54.1-2139 .

B. A licensee engaged by one client to a residential real estate transaction and dealing with an unrepresented party or with a party represented by a limited service agent and who, without additional compensation, provides such other party information relative to the transaction or undertakes to assist such other party in securing a contract or with such party's obligations thereunder, shall not incur liability for such actions except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct. A licensee does not create a brokerage relationship by providing such assistance or information to the other party to the transaction. A licensee dealing with a client of a limited service agent may enter into an agreement with that party for payment of a fee for services performed or information provided by that licensee. Such payment shall not create a brokerage relationship; however, the licensee providing such services or information for a fee shall be held to the ordinary standard of care in the provision of such services or information.

2006, c. 627 ; 2012, c. 750 ; 2016, c. 334 ; 2025, cc. 479 , 495 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2130 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2130.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2131 Licensees engaged by sellers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2131.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2132 Licensees engaged by buyers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2132.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2133 Licensees engaged by landlords to lease property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2133.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2134 Licensees engaged by tenants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2134.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2135 Licensees engaged to manage real estate](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2135.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2136 Preconditions to brokerage relationship](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2136.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2137 Commencement and termination of brokerage relationships; brokerage agreements required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2137.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2138 Disclosure of brokerage relationship in residential real estate transactions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2138.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2138.1 Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2138.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2138.2 Duty to disclose ownership interest in specific real property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2138.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2139 Disclosed dual agency and dual representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2139.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2139.1 Designated standard agency or designated representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2139.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2139.01 Disclosed dual agency and dual representation in commercial real estate transactions authorized](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2139.01.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C21_A3_S54.1-2138.1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
