REALTOR® associations are responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®
We highly encourage reading "Before You File An Ethics Complaint" prior to completing a complaint form.
Important Considerations
- Only REALTORS® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATES® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. If the real estate professional you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real estate licensing authority or the courts.
- REALTOR® associations determine whether the Code of Ethics has been violated, not whether the law or real estate regulations have been broken. Those decisions can only be made by the licensing authorities or the courts.
- REALTOR® associations can discipline REALTORS® for violating the Code of Ethics. Typical forms of discipline include attendance at courses and seminars designed to increase REALTORS®' understanding of the ethical duties or other responsibilities of real estate professionals. REALTORS® may also be reprimanded or fined or their membership can be suspended or terminated for serious or repeated violations.
- REALTOR® associations cannot:
- Require REALTORS® to pay money to parties filing ethics complaints;
- Award "punitive damages" for violations of the Code of Ethics;
- Suspend or revoke a real estate professional's license.
- The primary emphasis of discipline for ethical lapses is educational, to create a heightened awareness of and appreciation for the duties the Code imposes. At the same time, more severe forms of discipline, including fines and suspension and termination of membership may be imposed for serious or repeated violations.
NAR Resources
How to File a Complaint
If you have taken steps to resolve matters through discussion with a principal broker and/or calling the Ethics & Professional Standards Hotline and you are still not satisfied, you may want to consider filing an ethics complaint.
The professional standards process for the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® is handled by Tennessee REALTORS®. This process includes formal grievance and arbitration complaints for members, as well as more informal dispute resolution processes for consumers, such as ombudsmen, mediation, etc.