Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests and Related Information
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 through the Membership Search tab on our website.
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.
Below are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®. Check with the local association of REALTORS® to ensure you have the proper forms required by that association.
Ombudsman Infoline:
Prior to submitting a complaint, all complainants are highly encouraged to speak to an Ombudsman for dispute resolution efforts. Ombudsmen are not Attorneys or Legal Representatives but are highly trained in dispute resolution. The Ombudsman Infoline can be obtained by clicking here: https://www.car.org/mlspro/CAR-Statewide-Professional-Standards
Disciplinary / Ethics Complaint:
File a Complaint using C.A.R.’s CasePro Ethics Submission form:
https://www.car.org/marketing/clients/ethics/
Arbitration Request:
Submit a Request for Arbitration using the CasePro submission form:
https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/ethics-complaints-arbitration-requests-and-related-information
How to Submit a Disciplinary/Ethics Complaint Tutorial:
https://vimeo.com/1117134487?share=copy
Additional Resources for Members and Non-Members:
C.A.R. Resources for REALTOR® Members
- Dispute Resolution Center
- Peer-to-Peer Ethics – C.A.R. offers a free ethics infoline for REALTOR® members who would like assistance in determining which articles of the Code of Ethics, if any, have been violated. Non-legal ethics matters. Request form
- Ombudsman Assistance – An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions! C.A.R. Ombudsman Request Form
- C.A.R. Legal Hotline: 213-739-8282
- C.A.R. Professional Standards Program – REALTORS® adhere to rigorous standards outlined in the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® fails to meet these standards, action may be taken.
Resources for Consumers/Public:
- Dispute Resolution Center
- Ombudsman Assistance – An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions!
- C.A.R. Professional Standards Program – REALTORS® adhere to rigorous standards outlined in the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® fails to meet these standards, action may be taken.