When does a referral fee require disclosure—and does it matter if both brokers are in the same firm?

In this Legal Hotline episode, we explain the July 2025 form changes and clarify how Washington law treats referral fee disclosures. You’ll learn when client consent is required, when disclosure is unnecessary, and how to explain these rules with clear examples.

What you’ll learn:

• New disclosure requirements under the July 2025 forms.

• Why do cross-side payments (buyer to seller side) always need client consent?

• When intra-firm splits, team lead, or assistant payments do not require disclosure.

• How to distinguish between internal firm compensation and consumer-facing payments.

Members: Ask a question or explore more legal resources:

Visit: warealtor.org, log in, and follow the links to the Legal Hotline

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Starring Annie Fitzsimmons (WR's Legal Hotline Lawyer)

Disclaimer: Legal Hotline services, including videos, articles, and access to the Hotline, are a Washington REALTOR® member-only educational benefit and do not constitute legal counsel. If you’re a primary member in good standing, visit warealtor.org with your M1 ID and password to access more features.

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