Membership
Membership

File A Complaint

Before You File A Complaint

Please read these guidelines to help you determine the best approach to resolve your situation. Boards and Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® 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®. Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with the principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. If, after discussing matters with the real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact the local board or association of REALTORS® (You may contact GPR at 540-347-4866) to file an ethics complaint. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics and enforcement procedures are a disciplinary process established to ensure our members adhere to the highest ethical standards in their practice of real estate.

How To File A Complaint

If you wish to file an Ethics Complaint, feel free to contact the GPR office at 540-347-4866 for assistance in filling out the needed paperwork.
As you begin the process:

  • Ethics complaints must be filed with the appropriate REALTOR® Association within 180 days from the time a complainant knew (or reasonably could have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place.
  • The REALTOR® Code of Ethics consists of seventeen (17) Articles. The duties imposed by many of the Articles are explained and illustrated through accompanying Standards of Practice or case interpretations.
  • Your complaint should include a narrative description of the circumstances that lead you to believe the Code of Ethics may have been violated. You need to be very specific about the actions (or inactions) you have identified as potentially unethical. Include any additional documents that you have to support the complaint.
  • Citation Brochure

The Ethics Complaint Form

National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics

National Association of REALTORS® Information

Click here for Ethics complaints, arbitration requests and related information from the National Association of REALTORS®

Filing a Complaint with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)

Please note that we do not have the authority to award actual or punitive damages or to terminate a REALTOR®’s license. The Virginia state agency that has that authority over real estate licensees is the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations and they also have a complaint process. Further information on this can be found at http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Report-Licensee/