{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/54.1-2142.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/54.1-2142.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/54.1-2142.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/54.1-2142.html"}],"law_id":368076,"edition_id":2,"section_id":368076,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2142","catch_line":"Liability; knowledge not to be imputed","history":"1995, cc. 741, 813; 2016, c. 334.","full_text":"A\n\nA client is not liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by a licensee in connection with a brokerage relationship, unless the client knew or should have known of the misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of any broker or broker’s licensee.\n\nB\n\nA broker who has a brokerage relationship with a client and who engages another broker to assist in providing brokerage services to such client shall not be liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by the other broker, unless the broker knew or should have known of the other broker’s misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of the assisting broker or assisting broker’s licensee.\n\nC\n\nClients and licensees shall be deemed to possess actual knowledge and information only. Knowledge or information among or between clients and licensees shall not be imputed.\n\nD\n\nNothing in this article shall limit the liability between or among clients and licensees in all matters involving unlawful discriminatory housing practices.\n\nE\n\nExcept as expressly set forth in this section, nothing in this article shall affect a person’s right to rescind a real estate transaction or limit the liability of (i) a client for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of such client in connection with a real estate transaction, or (ii) a licensee for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of such licensee in connection with a real estate transaction. However, nothing in this article shall create a civil cause of action against a licensee.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1370093,"text":"A client is not liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by a licensee in connection with a brokerage relationship, unless the client knew or should have known of the misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of any broker or broker’s licensee.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1370094,"text":"A broker who has a brokerage relationship with a client and who engages another broker to assist in providing brokerage services to such client shall not be liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by the other broker, unless the broker knew or should have known of the other broker’s misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of the assisting broker or assisting broker’s licensee.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1370095,"text":"Clients and licensees shall be deemed to possess actual knowledge and information only. Knowledge or information among or between clients and licensees shall not be imputed.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1370096,"text":"Nothing in this article shall limit the liability between or among clients and licensees in all matters involving unlawful discriminatory housing practices.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":1370097,"text":"Except as expressly set forth in this section, nothing in this article shall affect a person’s right to rescind a real estate transaction or limit the liability of (i) a client for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of such client in connection with a real estate transaction, or (ii) a licensee for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of such licensee in connection with a real estate transaction. However, nothing in this article shall create a civil cause of action against a licensee.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52466,"edition_id":2,"name":"Duties of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":3,"parent_id":52463,"metadata":{"child_laws":23,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:11","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:57","permalink":{"id":1467055,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52466,"identifier":"3","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3","url":"\/54.1\/II\/21\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52463,"edition_id":2,"name":"Real Estate Brokers, Sales Persons and Rental Location Agents","identifier":"21","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":13,"parent_id":52439,"metadata":{"child_laws":57,"child_structures":3},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:07","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:56","permalink":{"id":1466913,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52463,"identifier":"21","token":"54.1\/II\/21","url":"\/54.1\/II\/21\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52439,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":2,"parent_id":52436,"metadata":{"child_laws":392,"child_structures":60},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:52","permalink":{"id":1466417,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52439,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52436,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":118,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1282,"child_structures":163},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:51","permalink":{"id":1466315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52436,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":368058,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2130","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-2130\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2130","metadata":false},{"id":368059,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2131","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by sellers","url":"\/54.1-2131\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2131","metadata":false},{"id":368060,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2132","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by buyers","url":"\/54.1-2132\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2132","metadata":false},{"id":368061,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2133","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by landlords to lease property","url":"\/54.1-2133\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2133","metadata":false},{"id":368062,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2134","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by tenants","url":"\/54.1-2134\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2134","metadata":false},{"id":368063,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2135","catch_line":"Licensees engaged to manage real estate","url":"\/54.1-2135\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2135","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":368064,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2136","catch_line":"Preconditions to brokerage relationship","url":"\/54.1-2136\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2136","metadata":false},{"id":368065,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2137","catch_line":"Commencement and termination of brokerage relationships; brokerage agreements required","url":"\/54.1-2137\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2137","metadata":false},{"id":368068,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2138","catch_line":"Disclosure of brokerage relationship in residential real estate transactions","url":"\/54.1-2138\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138","metadata":false},{"id":368066,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2138.1","catch_line":"Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required","url":"\/54.1-2138.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138.1","metadata":false},{"id":368067,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2138.2","catch_line":"Duty to disclose ownership interest in specific real property","url":"\/54.1-2138.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138.2","metadata":false},{"id":368072,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2139","catch_line":"Disclosed dual agency and dual representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction","url":"\/54.1-2139\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139","metadata":false},{"id":368069,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2139.01","catch_line":"Disclosed dual agency and dual representation in commercial real estate transactions authorized","url":"\/54.1-2139.01\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.01","metadata":false},{"id":368070,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2139.1","catch_line":"Designated standard agency or designated representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction","url":"\/54.1-2139.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.1","metadata":false},{"id":368071,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2139.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2139.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.2","metadata":false},{"id":368073,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2140","catch_line":"Compensation shall not imply brokerage relationship","url":"\/54.1-2140\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2140","metadata":false},{"id":368074,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2141","catch_line":"Brokerage relationship not created by using common source information company","url":"\/54.1-2141\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2141","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":368076,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2142","catch_line":"Liability; knowledge not to be imputed","url":"\/54.1-2142\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142","metadata":false},{"id":368075,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2142.1","catch_line":"Liability for false information","url":"\/54.1-2142.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142.1","metadata":false},{"id":368077,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2143","catch_line":"Real estate board regulations to be consistent","url":"\/54.1-2143\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2143","metadata":false},{"id":368078,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2144","catch_line":"Common law abrogated","url":"\/54.1-2144\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2144","metadata":false},{"id":368079,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2145","catch_line":"Article does not limit antitrust laws","url":"\/54.1-2145\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2145","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":368080,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2146","catch_line":"Licensee maintenance of records","url":"\/54.1-2146\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2146","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":368074,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2141","catch_line":"Brokerage relationship not created by using common source information company","url":"\/54.1-2141\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2141","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},"next_section":{"id":368075,"structure_id":52466,"section_number":"54.1-2142.1","catch_line":"Liability for false information","url":"\/54.1-2142.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2142\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1995. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 741<\/a> and 813<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2016, chapter 334<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1467125,"object_type":"law","relational_id":368076,"identifier":"54.1-2142","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142","url":"\/54.1-2142\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2142\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142","dublin_core":{"Title":"Liability; knowledge not to be imputed","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2142","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A client<\/span> is not liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by a licensee<\/span> in connection with a brokerage relationship<\/span>, unless the client<\/span> knew or should have known of the misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence<\/span>, gross negligence<\/span> or intentional acts of any broker or broker’s licensee<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A broker who has a brokerage relationship<\/span> with a client<\/span> and who engages another broker to assist in providing brokerage services<\/span> to such client<\/span> shall not be liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by the other broker, unless the broker knew or should have known of the other broker’s misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence<\/span>, gross negligence<\/span> or intentional acts of the assisting broker or assisting broker’s licensee<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Clients<\/span> and licensees<\/span> shall be deemed to possess actual knowledge and information only. Knowledge or information among or between clients<\/span> and licensees<\/span> shall not be imputed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing in this article shall limit the liability between or among clients<\/span> and licensees<\/span> in all matters involving unlawful discriminatory housing practices. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Except as expressly set forth in this section, nothing in this article shall affect a person’s right to rescind a real estate transaction or limit the liability of (i) a client<\/span> for the misrepresentation, negligence<\/span>, gross negligence<\/span> or intentional acts of such client<\/span> in connection with a real estate transaction, or (ii) a licensee<\/span> for the misrepresentation, negligence<\/span>, gross negligence<\/span> or intentional acts of such licensee<\/span> in connection with a real estate transaction. However, nothing in this article shall create a civil cause of action<\/span> against a licensee<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLIABILITY; KNOWLEDGE NOT TO BE IMPUTED (\u00a7 54.1-2142)\n\nA. A client is not liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by a licensee in\nconnection with a brokerage relationship, unless the client knew or should have\nknown of the misrepresentation and failed to take reasonable steps to correct\nthe misrepresentation in a timely manner, or (ii) the negligence, gross\nnegligence or intentional acts of any broker or broker’s licensee.\n\nB. A broker who has a brokerage relationship with a client and who engages\nanother broker to assist in providing brokerage services to such client shall\nnot be liable for (i) a misrepresentation made by the other broker, unless the\nbroker knew or should have known of the other broker’s misrepresentation\nand failed to take reasonable steps to correct the misrepresentation in a timely\nmanner, or (ii) the negligence, gross negligence or intentional acts of the\nassisting broker or assisting broker’s licensee.\n\nC. Clients and licensees shall be deemed to possess actual knowledge and\ninformation only. Knowledge or information among or between clients and\nlicensees shall not be imputed.\n\nD. Nothing in this article shall limit the liability between or among clients\nand licensees in all matters involving unlawful discriminatory housing\npractices.\n\nE. Except as expressly set forth in this section, nothing in this article shall\naffect a person’s right to rescind a real estate transaction or limit the\nliability of (i) a client for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross\nnegligence or intentional acts of such client in connection with a real estate\ntransaction, or (ii) a licensee for the misrepresentation, negligence, gross\nnegligence or intentional acts of such licensee in connection with a real estate\ntransaction. However, nothing in this article shall create a civil cause of\naction against a licensee.\n\nHISTORY: 1995, cc. 741, 813; 2016, c. 334.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}