File a Complaint

File a Complaint

To process an ethics complaint, a formal complaint must be filed using the Ethics Complaint Form.  As you complete the form, refer to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® to determine which Article(s) you believe has been violated.  Your complaint should include a supporting document in the form of a narrative or chronological summary of the events that occurred.

Submit the Ethics Complaint Form and supporting document to Michele McCaskill, Professional Standards Administrator ([email protected] or 704-940-3150). 

The Grievance Committee will review the case and, based on guidelines they must follow, will determine if the case should be referred to hearing or dismissed.

If the case is referred to a hearing, the CRCBR Professional Standards Committee will appoint a panel to hear the case and determine if the Code of Ethics has been violated.  The hearing is set for a time convenient for all parties.

If the panel determines there has been a violation, they will take disciplinary action.  Disciplinary sanctions can include the completion of an education class on a given topic, fines, letters of warning and reprimand, suspension, or termination of membership.

The hearing process typically takes about two months to complete as we must allow reasonable time for responses, action by the Grievance Committee, and scheduling.

Before you file an Ethics Complaint, read this.


 

FAQs for Ethics Complaints

Q: Is there a statute of limitations for filing ethics complaints?
A: Yes. 180 days from the time that you could have known there was a dispute.

Q: How do I know whether to file an ethics complaint or request arbitration?
A: Ethics complaints are filed about behavior; arbitration is requested when there is a commission dispute.

Q: Can I file an arbitration request and an ethics complaint at the same time?
A: Yes. Both case types can be filed at the same time. If the cases go to a hearing, arbitration hearings are held first.

 Q: Is there a cost to file an ethics complaint?
A: No.

Q: I’d like to file a complaint, but am worried about confidentiality.
A: All ethics complaints are kept strictly confidential. Only staff involved in the administration of cases, along with the assigned members from the Grievance and Professional Standards Committees, have access to ethics complaints.

Q: Is there a special form I should use when filing an ethics complaint?
A: File an ethics complaint using Ethics Complaint Form E-1. The Ethics Complaint Form should include a supporting document in the form of a narrative or chronological summary of the events that occurred.

Q: Where do I submit the ethics complaint?
A: If your complaint is against a member of CRCBR, submit the complaint to Michele McCaskill, Professional Standards Administrator ([email protected] or 704-940-3150).

Q: Will the person who I’m filing against be notified of my complaint?
A: Yes. Once your complaint has been submitted to CRCBR and reviewed by the Grievance Committee, it is sent to the respondent for a reply.

Q: How do I know which Article of the Code of Ethics to name in my complaint?
A: The Code of Ethics includes Standards of Practice which explain the types of behavior covered by each Article.

Q: Do I name the Article or Standard of Practice in my complaint?
A: Ethics complaints should be filed based on the Articles of the Code of Ethics.

Q: How do I know where to file the ethics complaint?
A: Ethics complaints are filed with the Board/Association where the responding party holds membership.

Q: Who establishes the rules that CRCBR follows in handling ethics complaints?
A: CRCBR is required to follow the rules of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Q: How long does the process take?
A: If ethics complaints go to a hearing, the process may take up to two (2) months. This is because of the time that must be allowed for responses, proper notification, and scheduling.

Q: What happens if someone is found in violation of an Article of the Code of Ethics?
A: If the hearing panel finds that a member is in violation of the Code of Ethics, they have the authority to recommend that the Board of Directors impose disciplinary sanctions such as the completion of an education class on a given topic, fines, letters of warning and reprimand, suspension, or termination of membership.