Ethics or Arbitration Complaint Requests

REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS. You may search for a member’s local affiliation here. In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics. Click on the link below to learn more about this topic:

Disciplinary/ Ethics Complaint

• What it is:
  An allegation that a REALTOR® has violated the NAR Code of Ethics.

• Who files it:
  Usually filed by clients, customers, the public, or even other REALTORS®.

• Examples:

  • Misrepresentation of property details

  • Failing to disclose a conflict of interest

  • Not cooperating with other REALTORS®

  • Advertising violations

• Purpose:
  To hold REALTORS® accountable to the professional standards of conduct.

• Outcome:
  If found in violation, the REALTOR® may face discipline such as education, fines, suspension, or in serious cases, expulsion from the association.

Arbitration Complaint

• What it is:
  A request to resolve a monetary dispute (typically commission disputes) between REALTORS® who are association members, or between a REALTOR® and their client (if the client agrees to arbitration).

• Who files it:
  Typically REALTORS® or brokers in competing offices.

• Examples:

  • Disputes over procuring cause of a sale

  • Which broker is entitled to a commission split

• Purpose:
  To settle financial disagreements without going to court, using binding arbitration through the association.

• Outcome:
  The arbitration panel decides who is entitled to the money in question. Their decision is binding.