Designated Representation

What is designated representation under TRESA?

Designated representation is a TRESA Phase 2 arrangement that allows an Ontario brokerage to designate specific registrants to represent specific clients, so that two clients of the same brokerage in the same transaction are each represented by their own dedicated registrant. Under the designated-representation framework, the brokerage itself is not in multiple representation — only the individual registrants represent their clients, and each registrant owes the full client-level duties of loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, and reasonable care to their assigned client. This was one of the most significant changes introduced when TRESA Phase 2 came into force on December 1, 2023.

How designated representation differs from multiple representation

Under the pre-TRESA rules (REBBA-era), if two registrants in the same brokerage represented the buyer and seller of the same transaction, the brokerage was automatically in multiple representation. The brokerage's duties to both clients narrowed — no disclosure of either party's negotiating limits, no advocacy on price.

Under TRESA Phase 2 designated representation:

• The brokerage formally designates one registrant to represent the buyer and a different registrant to represent the seller
• Each designated registrant owes full client duties to their assigned client, including loyalty and advocacy on price
• The brokerage itself is not in multiple representation
• The brokerage must implement firewalls preventing the two designated registrants from sharing confidential information

When designated representation is appropriate

Designated representation works well when:

• A brokerage has multiple registrants with their own client books
• The buyer and seller are each represented by their own long-standing registrant who happens to work at the same brokerage
• Both parties want full advocacy and the brokerage can credibly maintain firewalls

Designated representation does not work for:

• A single registrant trying to represent both sides — that is still multiple representation and triggers the narrowed-duties rules
• A small brokerage where firewalls between registrants are not credible

Where this appears in your Humber program

Designated representation is core content in Course 1: Real Estate Essentials under the TRESA-era representation framework, with detailed coverage in continuing-education updates on TRESA Phase 2. The distinction between designated and multiple representation is heavily exam-tested.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between designated representation and multiple representation?

Multiple representation puts the brokerage itself on both sides of a transaction, narrowing the duties owed to each client. Designated representation assigns one registrant to each client so the brokerage is not on both sides — each designated registrant owes full client-level duties. Designated representation gives clients stronger advocacy than multiple representation, which is why most brokerages prefer it when both parties are represented by the same firm.

When was designated representation introduced in Ontario?

Designated representation was introduced when TRESA Phase 2 came fully into force on December 1, 2023. Under the predecessor REBBA, the concept did not exist — two registrants in the same brokerage representing competing clients automatically put the brokerage in multiple representation. The Phase 2 amendments created the designated-representation alternative as a more client-friendly framework.

Do I need to sign anything for designated representation?

Yes. The brokerage must obtain written acknowledgment from each represented party confirming the designated-representation arrangement. The acknowledgment explains how the firewall between the designated registrants works and confirms that each registrant will continue to owe full duties to their assigned client. OREA Form 320 (Confirmation of Cooperation and Representation) is the standard document.

Can a designated registrant share information with their colleague at the same brokerage?

No. The firewall is the entire point of designated representation. A designated registrant must not share their client's confidential information — negotiating limits, motivation, timeline pressure — with the registrant on the other side, even if both work at the same brokerage. Breaches of the firewall expose the brokerage to discipline and undermine the legitimacy of the designated-representation arrangement.

Practice this topic

ExamAce covers designated representation, the TRESA Phase 2 framework, and the firewall requirements in the Course 1 question bank.