Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests, and Related Information
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). Ethics complaints must be filed with the local 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.
Below is a link to several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®.
C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline
Occasionally, C.A.R. members find themselves embroiled in a dispute with another member. The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline is here to help. C.A.R. Ombudsmen receive and respond to questions and complaints about members; can contact members to inform them that another REALTOR® has raised a question or issue; and can contact members to obtain information necessary to provide an informed response to the person complaining.
The Ombudsman’s role is primarily one of communication and conciliation, not adjudication. Ombudsmen do not determine whether ethics violations have occurred, rather they anticipate, identify, and resolve misunderstandings and disagreements before matters ripen into more significant disputes. C.A.R. Ombudsman (213) 739-7227 or email the Ombudsman Hotline at Ombudsman@Car.org.
Ombudsmen are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice or answer legal questions.
Ethics Complaints
Complaints can be filed against a member and/or broker of San Luis Obispo Coastal Association of REALTORS® by the public or a REALTOR®member. An ethics complaint should be filed when you want to charge a REALTOR® member with a Code of Ethics or MLS Rules violation.
If you want to file a complaint, please complete the D-1 Disciplinary Complaint Form, identify the Code of Ethics you want to charge and return it to the Association office or email Staff@SLOCAOR.org . Make sure to include a detailed summary of the events that took place.
Madatory Code of Ethics Training
REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within three-year cycles. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®. Failure to complete the required periodic ethics training shall be considered a violation of a membership duty.
The current three-year cycle will end Dec. 31, 2024.
Training may be completed through local REALTOR® associations or through another method, such as home study, correspondence, classroom courses, or online courses.
San Luis Obispo Coastal Association of REALTORS® and its members are truly committed to promoting a sense of community throughout the areas in which they live and work.
