New GVR bylaws now in effect: What’s moved from the bylaws to the Member Regulations
At a glance (2 minute read)
- Several administrative and procedural rules have been removed from GVR’s bylaws and placed in the new Member Regulations (April 2025).
- This includes details about membership applications, professional development, corporate responsibilities, and director elections.
As part of the governance changes approved at the 2025 AGM, Greater Vancouver REALTORS® has modernized how key rules and procedures are organized.
Many of the more operational, day-to-day processes have been removed from the bylaws and moved to the new Member Regulations.
You can now find all of the requirements and procedures that relate to your rights and obligations as a member all in one place, including:
- applying for and retaining membership,
- education requirements,
- committee eligibility,
- corporate member responsibilities, and
- member conduct expectations, including the Member Oath of Professionalism.
This simplifies the bylaws and allows your association to respond more quickly when updates are needed.
Here’s a summary of what was moved and where you’ll find it.
What’s changed?
Here are few critical pieces that have moved from bylaws to regulations.
Membership application and eligibility
Rules about who can become a member, along with the process on how, have shifted to Member Regulation 1. This includes:
- Required forms, documents, and fee payment
- Disqualifying conditions (e.g. unresolved penalties or expulsion)
- Requirement to complete New Member Orientation
- Conditions for cancellation if a new member doesn’t meet obligations
Education requirements (PDP)
Member Regulation 1.8 now outlines everything related to the Professional Development Program (PDP):
- Minimum PDP hours and accreditation categories
- Self-directed learning guidelines
- What happens if PDP isn’t completed
- Reinstatement rules for lapsed members
Corporate member responsibilities
Previously outlined in the bylaws, these responsibilities now appear in Member Regulation 1.9, including:
- Reporting ownership changes
- Designating (and updating) Member-Links and Sub Member-Links
- Ensuring new licensees apply within 30 days
- Accountability for licensee conduct
Member conduct and compliance
Expectations around professionalism have also been added to the Member Regulations:
- Required adherence to the REALTOR® Code, Rules of Cooperation, and GVR’s policies (including harassment and social media)
- A new Member Oath of Professionalism
- Clear rules for losing or regaining membership based on conduct, dues, or compliance
Elections and Director eligibility
Member Regulation 4 now covers:
- How Director elections are run (nominations, voting, scrutineers)
- Qualifications to run for the board of directors
- Restrictions on individuals affiliated with other real estate boards or associations