Which type of listing agreement does not need to be in writing?

The correct answer is that an agent renting rooms in a rooming house on a weekly basis does not require a written listing agreement. In California, the law requires most listing agreements, such as exclusive right to sell and exclusive agency listings, to be in writing. This is primarily to ensure clarity and compliance with legal standards, particularly regarding the terms of compensation and representation.

Contrastingly, renting individual rooms in a rooming house typically falls under a different category of transactions where the relationships and agreements can be more informal, and there’s less legal complexity involved. Such arrangements do not necessitate a formal, written listing agreement, as they usually involve short-term agreements that can be effectively managed through verbal agreements or simple documentation.

This distinction underscores the importance of context in real estate transactions, especially regarding the types of agreements that dictate the nature of the relationship between landlords and agents or tenants.