For many REALTORS®, the Professional Standards process remains a bit of a mystery unless they've served on the Grievance Committee, Professional Standards Committee, or Board of Directors. If you ever find yourself filing an ethics complaint or responding to one, understanding what to expect can make the process much less intimidating.

While every case is unique, ethics complaints generally follow the same path from filing through final resolution.

Filing an Ethics Complaint
The process begins when a written ethics complaint is filed with the Association. The complaint must identify the REALTOR® respondent(s), the Article(s) of the Code of Ethics alleged to have been violated, and describe the conduct giving rise to the complaint. Supporting documentation may also be submitted. Ethics complaints are generally subject to a 180-day filing deadline, measured from the time the facts could have been known through reasonable diligence or from the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later.

Grievance Committee Review
The Grievance Committee serves as a screening body. It does not determine whether a violation has occurred. Instead, it reviews the complaint to determine whether the allegations, if taken as true, could constitute a possible violation of the Code of Ethics. If so, the complaint is forwarded for a hearing. If not, the complaint may be dismissed, and the complainant may appeal the decision.

Preparing for the Hearing
If a hearing is scheduled, both parties may submit evidence, identify witnesses, and prepare their presentations. To ensure transparency and due process, all materials submitted by either party are included in a shared case file. Before a panel is selected, both parties have an opportunity to challenge a proposed panel member for cause if they believe a conflict of interest exists.

The Ethics Hearing
During the hearing, both parties may present testimony, submit evidence, present witnesses, and cross-examine the other party and witnesses. The Hearing Panel is composed of trained REALTOR® volunteers who serve as impartial decision-makers. Their role is to determine whether the complainant has established, by clear, strong, and convincing proof, that the respondent violated the specific Article or Articles of the Code of Ethics cited in the complaint.

While the hearing process can be adversarial by nature, all participants are expected to maintain professionalism and decorum throughout the proceedings.

The Hearing Panel’s Decision
Following the hearing, the panel prepares written findings of fact and determines whether the respondent violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics. If a violation is found, the panel recommends appropriate discipline. Possible discipline might include a letter of warning or reprimand, required education, a fine, probation, suspension, or, in serious cases, expulsion from REALTOR® membership. Discipline is intended to be appropriate to the violation and may serve both educational and corrective purposes. 

Appeal and Board Action
Following the Hearing Panel's decision, the parties generally have 20 days to file an appeal on one of the limited grounds established by the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, such as a procedural deficiency, misapplication of the Code, or the recommended discipline. Appeals are not new hearings, and new evidence generally is not considered. After the appeal period, the Board of Directors (or an authorized panel acting on its behalf) takes final action.

How Long Does the Process Take?
There is no single timeline that applies to every ethics complaint. The length of the process may depend on the complexity of the allegations, the availability of the parties and panel members, whether related legal or regulatory proceedings are pending, and whether an appeal is filed. The Professional Standards process exists to uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics while ensuring that all parties receive a consistent and impartial review. Although becoming involved in an ethics complaint can feel daunting, understanding the process can help remove uncertainty and provide confidence in what to expect.

If you have questions about procedures, deadlines, or available resources, Association staff are here to help. Although staff cannot provide legal advice or advocate for either party, they can explain the process and help you navigate it with confidence.