193E—13.5(543B) File recordkeeping. Every broker retains for a period of at least five years true copies of all business books; accounts, including voided checks; records; contracts; closing statements; disclosures; signed documents; the listing; any offers to purchase; and all correspondence relating to each real estate transaction that the broker has handled and each property managed. The records are made available for reproduction and inspection by the commission, staff, and commission-authorized representatives at all times during usual business hours at the broker’s regular place of business. If the brokerage closes, the records are made available for reproduction and inspection by the commission, staff, and commission-authorized representatives upon request.
	13.5(1) Contracts and other documents that have been changed or altered to the point where the language is unreadable and faxed contracts and documents in which the language is unreadable are not acceptable records and are redrafted and signed by the parties.
	13.5(2) Copies of unreadable documents are not acceptable as true copies of the originals regardless of the medium.
	13.5(3) Electronic records. The files, records, and other documents mandated by this chapter may be stored in electronic format for convenience and efficiency in a system for electronic record storage, analysis, and retrieval.
	a. 	A record obligated by this chapter may be retained as an electronic record only if the record storage medium can be easily accessed and the records can be readily retrieved and transferred to a legible printed form upon request.
	b. 	The scanning or electronic generation of a record is monitored to ensure that the copy is clear, legible and true before the original is shredded.
	c. 	Once the original record is transferred to the appropriate electronic storage medium consistent with this rule, the commission will no longer need the retention of the record in its original medium. For the purposes of this chapter, electronic records are considered the same as originals.
[ARC 7775C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]