Real estate licensees are regulated by the Department of Real Estate (DRE), under the CA Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), effective July 1, 2013. A DRE licensee must not include in a settlement agreement of a civil dispute, a provision prohibiting the other party from contacting, filing a complaint with, or cooperating with the DRE (because it is a bureau within the DCA). The licensee is also prohibited from including or permitting a provision for the other party to withdraw a DRE complaint. A provision as described is void as against public policy. A licensee violating these requirements is also subject to disciplinary action Bus. & Prof. Code § 143.5
