Professional Standards Process

Our Professional Standards Process

St. Louis REALTORS® maintains a formal, systematic process for resolving disputes concerning the professional conduct of its members. At its heart, the St. Louis REALTORS® Dispute Resolution Center offers members and consumers a vehicle for resolving complaints of potential violations of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics as efficiently and economically as possible.

What Is the Code of Ethics?

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and agree to follow its Code of Ethics. The Code contains seventeen articles that set forth a REALTOR®'s obligation to clients and customers, to members of the public, and to fellow REALTORS®. The Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice are objective, enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®

What Services Are Available?

What Services Are Available?

St. Louis REALTORS® Dispute Resolution Center offers:

  • Ombudsman Services – A confidential, informal process that helps resolve concerns through communication and clarification before a formal complaint is filed.
  • Filing for Ethics Complaints – For review of alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.
  • Mediation – An informal, confidential meeting with a neutral mediator to help parties settle their dispute before arbitration.
  • Filing for Arbitration Requests – To resolve contractual or specific non-contractual disputes, as defined by Standard of Practice 17-4.
  • Citation Program – For specific, citable alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.

How the Ethics Complaint Process Works

  1. Complaint Filing
    An ethics complaint may be filed by any person, member or non-member, who believes a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics.

  2. Grievance Committee Review
    The Grievance Committee reviews the complaint to determine whether the allegations could be a potential violation of the Code of Ethics.

  3. Professional Standards Hearing
    If there is a potential violation, the case proceeds to a formal hearing before a trained Hearing Panel of REALTORS® who serve on the Professional Standards Committee. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence, witnesses, and testimony. The panel determines whether a violation occurred based on clear, strong, and convincing proof.
What Happens If a Violation Is Found?

What Happens If a Violation Is Found?

Discipline is designed primarily to educate and promote compliance with the Code. Possible disciplinary measures may include one or more of the following:

  • Letter of warning or reprimand
  • Required educational training
  • Fines (up to $15,000)
  • Suspension of membership
  • Termination of membership (up to 3 years)

Boards and Associations of REALTORS®:

  • Cannot award monetary damages to complainants.
  • Cannot impose punitive damages.
  • Cannot suspend or revoke a real estate license.

Why This Matters

The Professional Standards process helps ensure that REALTORS® remain accountable to their ethical obligations and that consumers and fellow REALTORS® have a structured, impartial channel for addressing concerns.

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