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File a Complaint

Filing an Ethics Complaint

The local board or association of Realtors® can provide you with information on the procedures for filing an ethics complaint.  Here are some general principles to keep in mind.

  • Ethics complaints must be filed with the local board or association of Realtors® within one hundred eighty (180) days from the time a complainant knew (or reasonably should have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place (unless the Board’s informal dispute resolution processes are invoked in which case the filing deadline will momentarily be suspended).
  • The Realtors® Code of Ethics consists of seventeen (17) Articles. The duties imposed by many of the Articles are explained and illustrated through accompanying Standards of Practice or case interpretations.
  • Your complaint should include a narrative description of the circumstances that led you to believe the Code of Ethics may have been violated.
  • Your complaint must cite one or more of the Articles of the Code of Ethics which may have been violated. Hearing panels decide whether the Articles expressly cited in complaints were violated - not whether Standards of Practice or case interpretations were violated.
  • The local board or association of Realtors®' Grievance Committee may provide technical assistance in preparing a complaint in proper form and with proper content.

Request and Agreement to Arbitrate

Article 17, Code of Ethics

In the event of contractual disputes or specific non-contractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 between Realtors® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as Realtors®, the Realtors® shall mediate the dispute if the Board requires its members to mediate. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if mediation is not required, Realtors® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the policies of the Board rather than litigate the matter.

In the event clients of Realtors® wish to mediate or arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, Realtors® shall mediate or arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the policies of the Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by any resulting agreement or award.

The obligation to participate in mediation and arbitration contemplated by this Article includes the obligation of Realtors® (principals) to cause their firms to mediate and arbitrate and be bound by any resulting agreement or award.” (Amended 1/12)

File an Ethics Complaint

Ethics Complaint Forms and Information

Ethics FAQs

Details

The Code of Ethics

Citation Program

The Code of Ethics Translations

Mediation Agreement

Arbitration Request

Arbitration Worksheet