2026 TREC Form Updates: New Contracts & Key Changes

Texas real estate agents need to stay current with the latest Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) forms. Using outdated contracts or overlooking new disclosure requirements can create confusion, delay transactions, and increase compliance risks.

Several important TREC form updates took effect in 2026, including revised residential contracts, an updated Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) notice, and changes to property disclosure forms.

Whether you're a sales agent or broker, understanding these updates can help you prepare accurate paperwork and guide clients through the transaction process.

Here's what changed in 2026 and what you should check before your next transaction.

1. What TREC Forms Changed in 2026?

TREC adopted updated contract forms and related documents with different effective dates throughout 2026.

Some of the most important changes include:

TREC Form	Form Number	Effective Date
Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)	Updated 2026 version	January 1, 2026
Buyer's Temporary Residential Lease	16-7	January 5, 2026
Seller's Temporary Residential Lease	15-7	January 5, 2026
One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale)	20-19	July 1, 2026
Amendment to Contract	39-11	July 1, 2026
Farm and Ranch Contract	25-17	July 1, 2026
Residential Condominium Contract (Resale)	30-18	July 1, 2026
New Home Contract (Completed Construction)	24-20	July 1, 2026
New Home Contract (Incomplete Construction)	23-20	July 1, 2026

These updates are important for agents preparing offers, amendments, and other transaction documents.

The official forms and their current effective dates are available on the TREC Contracts and Forms page.

2. What's New in the 2026 One to Four Family Residential Contract?

The One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), Form 20-19, became effective July 1, 2026.

The 2026 revisions address several areas of residential real estate transactions, including:

Broker Compensation

Updates reorganize portions of the contract related to brokerage compensation, helping distinguish the applicable payment terms and responsibilities.

Agents should carefully review the revised compensation provisions instead of relying on language from older versions.

Improvements and Property Features

The updated contract language includes references to generators among property improvements, reflecting equipment that may be included in residential sales.

Notices and Contact Information

Revised notice provisions and contact information fields are intended to improve clarity when communicating contractual notices between parties.

Contract Organization

Several sections and addenda references were reorganized to make the forms easier to use.

Before preparing a new transaction, review the updated form and its official redline version to understand exactly what changed.

3. Updated IABS Form: What Agents Need to Know

One of the most significant changes for Texas real estate professionals took effect on January 1, 2026.

TREC updated the Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) notice to reflect changes under Senate Bill 1968.

The updated rules include changes involving:

• The introduction of a non-representation status.
  
• Written agreement requirements.
  
• Removal of references to subagency.
  
• Updated explanations of brokerage relationships.

Brokers and sales agents must provide the required IABS notice at the first substantive communication with a prospective buyer, tenant, seller, or landlord about specific real property, subject to applicable rules and exceptions.

Important: IABS is a disclosure notice. It should not be confused with a buyer representation agreement or another required written agreement.

Agents should confirm that their websites, transaction templates, and brokerage procedures use the current IABS version.

Review the Official TREC IABS Form

4. New Property Disclosure and Water Rights Forms

TREC also introduced or updated disclosure forms during 2026.

Seller's Disclosure Notice

The revised Seller's Disclosure Notice, Form 55-1, became effective May 28, 2026.

The revisions address subjects including property insurance, certain private road maintenance obligations, above-ground storage tanks, and conservation easements.

Groundwater and Surface Water Rights Disclosure

TREC introduced Seller's Disclosure About Groundwater and Surface Water Rights, Form 61-0, effective July 1, 2026.

The form addresses disclosures involving certain groundwater and surface water rights.

Agents should understand when the disclosure is relevant and consult TREC guidance regarding its proper use.

Not every disclosure form is required in every transaction. The property's characteristics and applicable law determine which documents are necessary.

5. Other Important TREC Contract Changes

The 2026 updates also affect several other commonly used forms.

Amendment to Contract (39-11)

The revised Amendment to Contract became effective July 1, 2026. Agents should use the current form when documenting changes to an executed contract.

Farm and Ranch Contract (25-17)

The updated Farm and Ranch Contract addresses provisions relevant to rural properties, including certain broker compensation and transaction terms.

Temporary Residential Lease Forms

Updated buyer and seller temporary residential lease forms became mandatory for applicable use on January 5, 2026.

Because TREC uses different effective dates for different forms, agents should avoid assuming that every form was updated on the same day.

6. How to Make Sure You're Using the Latest TREC Forms

Keeping your forms current doesn't need to be complicated.

Follow this checklist before starting a transaction:

1. Check TREC's official website. Download the latest approved or promulgated form.

2. Confirm the form number. For example, the 2026 One to Four Family Residential Contract is Form 20-19.

3. Review the effective date. Older versions may no longer be appropriate for new transactions.

4. Update your templates. Replace outdated saved documents and review brokerage transaction software.

5. Read the official redlines. Compare revised provisions with previous versions.

6. Consult your supervising broker or qualified legal counsel. Seek guidance when a form or transaction raises questions.

TREC forms are intended for use by trained real estate license holders. They are not a substitute for legal advice when a transaction requires specialized guidance.

7. Why TREC Form Updates Matter for Continuing Education

Understanding current TREC forms is important for day-to-day real estate practice.

It also connects directly to professional continuing education.

Texas real estate agents completing regular CE renewals generally need 18 hours of approved continuing education, including Legal Update I, Legal Update II, and contract-related coursework.

However, education requirements depend on license type and renewal status. First-time sales agent renewals follow SAE requirements, while brokers and applicable delegated supervisors must satisfy Broker Responsibility requirements.

Keeping up with contract changes can help agents better understand the concepts covered in Legal Updates and contract-related courses.

Time2Renew offers online Texas Real Estate CE courses, including Legal Update I, Legal Update II, and contract-related coursework for eligible license holders.

Explore Time2Renew Texas Real Estate CE Courses

Note: The standard 18-hour package does not include the six-hour Broker Responsibility Course and does not independently satisfy first-renewal SAE requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new TREC contract forms take effect in 2026?

Several revised contract forms, including the One to Four Family Residential Contract (20-19), became effective July 1, 2026. Other forms have different effective dates.

What is the current One to Four Family Residential Contract form?

As of October 2026, TREC lists Form 20-19, effective July 1, 2026.

Did the IABS form change in 2026?

Yes. The revised IABS form became effective and required for use beginning January 1, 2026, reflecting changes in Texas brokerage relationship laws.

Can I continue using old TREC forms?

For new transactions, use the current forms required by TREC. Previously executed agreements and transition situations may require separate consideration.

Where can I download the latest TREC forms?

Visit the official TREC Contracts page to find available forms, form numbers, and effective dates.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 TREC form updates introduced important changes to residential contracts, brokerage disclosures, and transaction documents.

For Texas real estate agents, the most practical steps are to verify form numbers, check effective dates, review revised contract language, and keep transaction templates current.

Using current forms and continuing professional education can help agents navigate transactions more confidently and reduce avoidable paperwork issues.

Last reviewed: October 2026. TREC requirements and forms may change. Always consult the Texas Real Estate Commission for the latest approved forms and official guidance.