law

CAN-SPAM Act

A federal law that sets rules for commercial email messages. It requires accurate header and subject lines, identification of the message as an advertisement, a valid physical postal address for the sender, and a clear way to opt out. Opt-out requests must be honored promptly. Real estate licensees who send marketing emails must comply, and violations can result in significant penalties.

Exam tip
CAN-SPAM covers email; the Do Not Call Registry covers telephone solicitations. Know that consent is not required before sending, but opt-out must be offered and honored.
Example
An agent's monthly market-update email includes her brokerage's mailing address and an unsubscribe link, and she removes anyone who opts out within ten business days.

Related terms & state variants

Sources

Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.

Last verified: 2026-10-23