The Difference Between Pennsylvania's Consumer Notice (PAR CN) and Consumer Notice (PAR CNT)

The Difference Between Pennsylvania's Consumer Notice (PAR CN) and Consumer Notice (PAR CNT)

The difference is mainly who the consumer is and the type of transaction.

PAR CN: Consumer Notice

PAR Form CN is the standard Pennsylvania Consumer Notice used to explain the different business relationships a real estate licensee may have with a consumer.

This is the form you would generally use for buyers and sellers, and it can also apply in rental situations when the special conditions for using CNT aren't met.

Its purpose is to inform the consumer about Pennsylvania agency relationships, such as seller agency, buyer agency, dual agency, designated agency, and transaction licensee relationships.

PAR CNT: Consumer Notice for Tenants

PAR Form CNT is specifically the Consumer Notice for Tenants. It is a more specialized form and is not simply an updated version of CN.

According to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®, CNT is used instead of CN when showing rental property to prospective tenants, but only when the licensee is:

  • The actual owner/landlord of the property
  • A direct employee of the owner/landlord, or
  • Leasing the property under a property management agreement or exclusive leasing agreement with the owner/landlord.

PAR also says that if the licensee requires a rental application, CNT may be provided when the application is taken rather than at the first substantive discussion.

PAR Form CN is also not residential-only. It can apply to commercial transactions too. Pennsylvania REALTORS® specifically addresses use of the Consumer Notice in commercial transactions.

The important distinction is:

  • CN (Consumer Notice): Applies broadly to consumers of real estate services, including residential and many commercial transactions. Pennsylvania law does provide an exception for certain commercial transactions. If the property meets the statutory definition of commercial property and the client is a representative of a corporate/business entity, the Consumer Notice may not be required. PAR provides a flow chart specifically for determining whether that commercial exception applies.
  • CNT (Consumer Notice for Tenants): This is specifically for certain rental situations. It replaces CN only when the licensee is the landlord, a direct employee of the landlord, or is leasing the property under a property management or exclusive leasing agreement.