CA AB1762

Redefines "advance fee" in real estate law to mean fees charged by licensees for services requiring a license or for a listing before fully completing the contracted service, with specified exceptions.

Exempts advertising fees from the advance fee definition when charged for promoting real estate or business opportunities in newspapers, publications, or electronic media not controlled by the broker.

Exempts fees earned under "limited service" contracts where real estate services are offered as stand-alone, task-by-task services with compensation received upon completion of each separate task.

Clarifies that commissions paid after a broker fully performs under a contract do not constitute advance fees.

Maintains regulation of security deposits and screening fees under existing Civil Code provisions while clarifying the scope of advance fee restrictions.