How Do I File an Ethics Complaint?

There are some important considerations when filing an ethics complaint that you should be aware of. We highly encourage reading “Before You File A Complaint” to better understand the Ethics Complaint process. If you would like to file an Ethics Complaint, please contact our Professional Standards Administrator, Lauren Vance - [email protected] - 205-295-5123

Only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. If you have questions about filing a Code of Ethics complaint, please contact our Professional Standards Administrator, Lauren Vance - [email protected] - 205-295-5123

Learn more about the REALTOR® Code of Ethics:

Need assistance with a legal question? AAR has a Legal Helpdesk who can assist: https://www.alabamarealtors.com/legal/helpdesk

• NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual: Ethics

• NAR Code of Ethics and Professional Standards

• NAR Pathways to Professionalism

• NAR Links for Professional Standards Information

Ethics Complaint vs MLS Complaint

Ethics Complaint

• Violation of a specific article

• Treating all parties fairly

• Misrepresenting, concealing, or exaggerating pertinent factsFailure to cooperate with other REALTORS® (does not include the obligation to share commissions, fees, or compensate another broker)

• Failure to disclose you are a REALTOR® or hold interest in the property

• Provide professional services concerning a property or its value where they have a present or contemplated interest unless such interest is specifically disclosed to all affected parties

• Not abiding by Standard of Practice 10.5: REALTORS® must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity

• Compensated by more than one party

• Accepting payment or rebates other than commission unless disclosed to allFailure to use a trust account

• Not putting things in writing

• Denied professional services based on minority status

• Practicing outside of competence

• False advertising

• Practicing law without a license

• Refusal to present evidence in a hearing

• Bad-mouthing other REALTORS®

• Soliciting other REALTOR® clients

• Refusing to participate in (or pay from) arbitration hearing

MLS Complaint

To submit an MLS Complaint please send a detailed explanation to [email protected].  When requested by a complainant, the MLS will process a complaint without revealing the complainant’s identity. If a complaint is subsequently forwarded to a hearing, and the original complainant does not consent to participating in the process, the MLS will appoint a representative to serve as the complainant.
 

• Violation of an MLS rule

• Any violation of lockbox/key policy

• Abusing coming soon status (i.e., marketing and showing the property without entry in the MLS)

• Violation of the Clear Cooperation policy (i.e., putting a sign in the yard when the listing is not in the MLS after 1 business day)

• Listing brokers misrepresenting the availability of access to show or inspect listed property

• Showing the home without permission

• Failure to identify as a limited-service listing

• Change in listing status not reported

• Prohibited use of the term MLS in any medium

• Sharing of MLS user ID and password