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.
What to Know Before Filing an Ethics Complaint:
Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. This brochure helps explain the dispute resolution procedures followed by associations when an ethics complaint is filed.
Before You File an Ethics Complaint (DOC: 40 KB)
Before You File an Ethics Complaint (PDF: 96 KB)
- Only REALTORS® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®s are subject to the Code of Ethics
of the National Association of REALTORS®. - If the real estate professional (or their broker) you are dealing with is not a
REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real state licensing authority or the
courts. - Boards and associations of REALTORS® 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. - Boards of REALTORS® 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. Additional examples of authorized discipline are a letter
of reprimand and appropriate fines. For serious or repeated violations, a
REALTOR®’s membership can be suspended or terminated. Boards and
associations of REALTORS® cannot require REALTORS® to pay money to parties
filing ethics complaints; cannot award "punitive damages" for violations of the Code
of Ethics; and cannot 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. - Ethics complaints must be filed with the local board or association of REALTORS®
within one hundred eighty (180) days from the time a complainant knew (or
reasonably should have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place (unless
the Board’s informal dispute resolution processes are invoked in which case the
filing deadline will momentarily be suspended).
File an Ethics Complaint with Form #E-1
Please send any Ethics Complaints to:
Margaret Pendleton, CEO
Flint Hills Association of REALTORS®
ae@flinthillsrealtors.net
205 S Seth Child Rd
Manhattan, KS 66502
For more information on filing a grievance, please click here: