What term is used to describe when the same brokerage firm represents both the landlord and the tenant?

The term that describes a situation where the same brokerage firm represents both the landlord and the tenant is known as dual agency. In this arrangement, the brokerage acts on behalf of both parties in a real estate transaction. This can be a complex scenario because the interests of a landlord and tenant may not always align; therefore, the broker must navigate these interests carefully to ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations.

In dual agency, it is important for the broker to disclose their dual role to both the landlord and tenant, ensuring that both parties are aware of the potential for conflicts of interest arising from the dual representation. Additionally, dual agency typically requires that the broker exercise neutrality and avoid giving preferential treatment to either party in order to maintain fair representation.

Other terms like conflict of interest, exclusive representation, and co-brokerage do not specifically refer to the situation of dual representation by the same brokerage firm, which is why dual agency is the correct answer in this context.