MLS to implement fines for violations

Time's Up!

As REALTORS® need to be able to depend on their MLS as an accurate resource to buy, sell or lease property for their clients, CBR has been asked by members repeatedly over the years to pursue a course of effective enforcement of the current MLS Rules and Regulations and Policies.

Warnings Began - January 1, 2006 Fines Imposed - April 1, 2006 MLS Fines List MLS Rules & Regulations MLS Policies

After months of research by an MLS subcommittee assigned to review all of the proposed alternatives available to encourage rule compliance, the MLS Committee recommended fining members for various service violations.

This chosen course was a result of intensive research from surveys and discussions with many other boards. Research has shown that major Boards of REALTORS®, including Cleveland, Cincinnati and Houston currently have fines to help encourage adherence to the rules and policies of their MLS and apparently it has been successful.

Further, many Ohio boards have had fines for MLS violations for years and support the claim they serve to help enforce existing policies.

The intent is to discourage marketing habits and preferences of some that are found to be contrary to the Rules, Regulations and Policies of the Service.

For the vast majority of members who willingly comply with the guidelines established for MLS, this change will have little or no impact on your daily routines. We sincerely appreciate your continued cooperation as the MLS rules and regulations are designed to benefit all practitioners.

However, for those who have not responded satisfactorily to the repeated requests for adherence to the written terms and conditions of the Service required for membership in the MLS, there will now be financial penalties.

Existing MLS rules and policies will need to be updated from time to time to conform to current laws or to improve the Service. Oftentimes these changes stem from member suggestions and recommendations which are most welcome.

A hard copy of the MLS Fines List was inserted in your December 2005 issue of the In Contract magazine so members could review it carefully with staff, team or office members as may be necessary and keep for future reference.

Again, thank you for your continued support as we strive to make your MLS more accurate and dependable.