Do You Have a Complaint?

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 multiple listing service owned/operated by a REALTOR® association. 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.

What’s the difference between an ethics complaint and arbitration request?

An ethics complaint charges that a REALTOR® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® has violated an Article(s) of the Code of Ethics. An arbitration request involves a dispute over entitlement to a monetary transaction (e.g., a commission).

Who can file an ethics complaint?

Any person, whether a member or not, having reason to believe that a member is in violation of any conduct subject to disciplinary action.

Who can file an arbitration request?

A customer, client, or REALTOR® principal. A REALTOR® nonprincipal can also request arbitration with his current or former REALTOR® principal.

Who should I give the complaint or request to?

The Association Executive/Secretary of the board/association of REALTORS®. You may search for a member’s local affiliation here.

Is there a time limit?

Yes, ethics complaints must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later. Requests for arbitration must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the closing of the transaction, if any, or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the arbitrable matter could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence, whichever is later.*

* If the board’s informal dispute resolution processes (e.g., mediation) are invoked, the 180 day filing deadline is suspended.

How is NC REALTORS® involved?

In rare instances, ethics complaints and arbitration requests are processed by the NC REALTORS® rather than a local association of REALTORS®. Such complaints and requests are handled in accordance with the same procedures with a few modifications. If your ethics complaint or arbitration request is processed by NC REALTORS®, the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual outlines the process. Questions about ethics complaints and arbitration requests handled by NC REALTORS® should be directed to the NC REALTORS® Legal Department at (336) 294-1415.