Key Takeaways from the December 2025 C.A.R. Forms Release For California Real Estate Professionals

The California Association of Realtors will release the December 2025 updates to the standard C.A.R. forms the week of December 16, 2025. These updates include new disclosures, reorganized purchase agreement sections, and a major new form focused on transparency and consumer protection.

These changes affect listing agents, buyer agents, and transaction coordinators across the state. Here is a clear breakdown of what to expect when forms officially go live.

What’s Included in the December 2025 Forms Release

This release includes 55 total updates with:

• 2 brand new forms

• 55+ substantive revisions

• Updates to purchase agreements, listing agreements, disclosures, rental forms, and advisory forms

Once these forms are released on December 16, they will become the new standard versions used in California transactions.

The New RAD form: REALTOR Acknowledgement and Disclosures

One of the most important additions is the new RAD form, designed to increase transparency around:

• Referral fees being paid or received

• Compensation from multiple sources

• Ownership interest in the property

RAD replaces the previous acknowledgment form and will now attach automatically to certain agreements, including the RLA, BRBC, PSRA, and RFA.

This is a major shift toward clearer disclosure requirements in California real estate.

Updated California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA)

The RPA undergoes several structural and content updates, including:

• A required electrical system inspection advisory

• Mediation, arbitration, and liquidated damages moved directly before the signature pages

• Clarifications related to TDS exemptions and use of the SPQ

These changes help create a cleaner, more intuitive flow for buyers and sellers.

Revisions to the Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ)

To align with new Civil code requirements, the SPQ now adds:

• Questions about the possible future replacement of gas appliances

• A question related to nicotine and smoking residue

• Additional references to new required disclosures

Redesigned Receipt for Reports (RFR)

The RFR has been updated to provide more clarity for both agents and clients. Key improvements include:

• Separate sections for reports ordered for the current sale and reports already in the seller’s possession

• A new layout that moves the seller’s signature block to the end of the form

Updated Solar Advisory & Questionnaire (SOLAR)

With more homes using solar systems, C.A.R. expanded this form significantly. Now it:

• Applies to buyers and sellers

• Provides clearer distinctions between owned, leased, financed, or PPA solar systems

• Requires multiple SOLAR forms when multiple systems exist

New Unsolicited Offer Attestation (UOA)

A brand new form, the UOA, is required in certain fire-emergency zones when a buyer makes an offer. Both the buyer and seller must sign it, and the buyer must record it with the deed.

Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, disciplinary action, and even criminal consequences.

Why These December 2025 C.A.R. Form Updates Matter

These new and revised forms change the way California real estate professionals handle disclosures, compensation, timelines, and due diligence. Understanding them before they go into effect on December 16 helps ensure a smoother transaction experience for clients.

If you need help understanding or implementing the December C.A.R. form changes, or want a Transaction Coordination team that stays ahead of compliance updates, reach out anytime at info@behappytc.com.