An ethics complaint may be filed by anyone who believes a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics. Any complaint reviewed by the Grievance Committee must site a specific article(s) and include a statement as to why that article(s) has been violated given the facts and circumstances of the particular case. Note the complaint must be filed within 180 days (not 6 months) after the facts become known or could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence.
Here are some general principles to keep in mind:
• 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 lead 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.
A request for arbitration may be filed if a contractual relationship exists between two parties and involves a specific monetary amount, which will either be awarded to one of the parties involved or split between the two parties. Note that parties subject to arbitration must agree to be bound by the award. Also, the request must be filed within 180 days (not 6 months) after the facts became known or the closing of the transaction, whichever is later.
Please be reminded it is important to attach an explanation of the situation surrounding the complaint/request. Be as specific as possible. Provide any information that would assist the grievance committee in understanding the facts in the situation and making an informed decision.
