The Arizona Association of REALTORS®, a voluntary trade association, lacks jurisdiction over an individual’s real estate license which is issued by and held with the Arizona Department of Real Estate. Furthermore, the Arizona REALTORS® ethics complaint process cannot provide you with monetary relief. If you believe that a real estate licensee has violated Arizona real estate statutes or the Arizona Administrative Code, you may file a complaint with the Department of Real Estate as alleged violations of Arizona law are reviewed, investigated, and processed through the Department’s Enforcement and Compliance Division.
Filing an ethics complaint can be done electronically. Alternatively, you may download and complete the form. If you do not have a family member or friend to assist you, please contact the Arizona Association of REALTORS® for assistance at (602) 248-7787.
Many issues result from a misunderstanding or a failure in communication. Arizona REALTORS® recommends that you first make reasonable efforts to communicate with your real estate professional or a principal broker in the firm. If the issue is still not resolved then consider Arizona REALTORS® Ombudsman and Mediation alternative dispute resolution processes.
If you decide to file a formal ethics complaint keep in mind that the entire process can take between 90 and 150 days.
NOTE: The ethics complaint process does not award monetary damages.
The Arizona Association of REALTORS® (Arizona REALTORS®) is responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, adopted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® in 1913. 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®. The professional standards process is a very important part of a REALTOR® association and helps to ensure honorable, faithful, and competent service to clients, customers, and other members of the public. This information is to help you understand the professional standards process.
Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from a misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, Arizona REALTORS® recommends that you speak with them or with a principal broker or manager in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.
If, after discussing matters with your real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact Arizona REALTORS® to consider our other dispute resolution services: Ombudsmen, Mediation, and Buyer/Seller Mediation.
After taking these steps, if you still feel you have a complaint, you many want to consider filing a formal ethics complaint. You will want to keep in mind that:
Only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
If the real estate professional (or the broker) you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real state licensing authority or the courts.
Arizona REALTORS® determines 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.
Arizona 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.
REALTORS® may also be reprimanded, fined, or their membership can be suspended or terminated for serious or repeated violations. Arizona 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, suspension, and termination of membership may be imposed for serious or repeated violations.
