What REALTORS® Need to Know about the 2026 NCR Commercial Forms Change
NC REALTORS® has announced several changes to commercial forms for 2026. Many of the edits are designed to improve readability, reduce confusion, and address issues members have encountered in commercial transactions.
Commercial members should review the revised forms carefully before using them and should consult their Broker-in-Charge or legal counsel with questions. Below are some of the most important updates.
Commission Split Agreement clarifies payment obligations
Form 541, Commission Split Agreement Sales Transaction, has been updated for readability and space efficiency.
A new Section 5 has also been added to address an issue. The new language clarifies that if a closing attorney pays a broker pursuant to the agreement, that payment counts toward the Listing Firm’s obligation.
This update should help avoid confusion when payments are made through the closing attorney.
Commercial listing agreement commission language is easier to use
Form 570, Exclusive Right to Lease and/or Sell Listing Agreement, and Form 572, Exclusive Right to Lease Listing Agreement, include revised commission language.
The prior section was considered overly complicated for common practice. The updated language is designed to be easier to complete, calculate, read, and explain to consumers while maintaining the same general functionality.
Commercial members should review the revised section closely so they are comfortable explaining the compensation structure to clients.
Commercial purchase agreements include several practical revisions
Form 580-T, Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Improved Property, includes multiple updates that commercial brokers should note.
The escrow agent blank has been moved from page two to page one, making that information easier to find early in the contract.
The Earnest Money Deposit section has also been revised. Because members reported that one of the prior checkbox options was rarely used, the default now states that interest belongs to the account holder, similar to the residential agreements.
Examination-period language is clearer
The examination-period section in Form 580-T has been reorganized for readability. Instead of appearing as dense block text, key portions have been broken out with subsection titles.
The language has also been modified to clarify that failure to terminate during the examination period will likely result in the Earnest Money Deposit being paid to the seller.
This is a key point commercial practitioners should understand and explain carefully, especially when working with parties who may be unfamiliar with commercial contract timelines.
Indemnity timing gap addressed
Form 580-T includes an update to the timing of indemnity. The prior language created a small gap, leaving unclear who bore responsibility for indemnity.
The revised language uses the time of recordation rather than the date of closing, which helps close that gap.
Delay-related termination mechanism added
Members have reported that commercial purchase forms do not include a clear mechanism for termination in the event of a delay. Form 580-T now includes language to address that issue.
The parties can negotiate the delay period to make sure enough time is allowed if a delay happens. This addition may be especially helpful in transactions where the parties do not have legal counsel involved.
Land purchase agreement receives similar updates
Form 580L-T, Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Land, includes the same types of edits made to Form 580-T.
Commercial members who work with both improved property and land transactions should review both revised forms and note the parallel changes.
Amendment language corrected
Form 583-T, Agreement to Amend Contract/Notice of Assignment, includes technical but important edits.
The prior language used the phrase “deleted and replaced,” which could create an argument that unrelated parts of the amended section were deleted and not properly replaced. The revised language is intended to address this issue and clarify the amendments.
Commercial lease updates
Several commercial lease forms have also been updated.
Form 592-T, Commercial Lease Agreement (Single), now clarifies that tenants are responsible for upgrades to LED lighting. The form also harmonizes that section with other lease provisions that may have created conflicting responsibilities.
Form 592-T also changes the language regarding holdover rent. Instead of a default of double rent, the amount of holdover rent is now negotiable.
Form 593-T, Commercial Lease Agreement (Multiple), includes revised permitted-use language related to HOA rules and landlord representations. It also adds a checkbox option for situations in which common-area expenses are paid from excess cost rather than the tenant’s full proportionate share.
What should commercial members do now?
Commercial members should review the revised forms before using them in transactions, especially Forms 541, 570, 572, 580-T, 580L-T, 583-T, 592-T, and 593-T.
The most important practice points include commission language, earnest money treatment, examination-period termination, delay-related termination options, amendment wording, holdover rent, LED lighting responsibilities, and common area expense options.
As always, members should follow firm policy, consult their Broker-in-Charge, and seek legal guidance when needed. These updates are designed to make the forms clearer and more practical, but members should understand the changes before presenting them to clients.
