FAQs about Ethics Complaints

Is there a statute of limitations for filing ethics complaints?  Yes. The time period is 180 days from the time that you could have known, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, the facts giving rise to your complaint.

How do I know whether to file an ethics complaint or to request arbitration? Generally, ethics complaints are filed about behavior; arbitration is requested when there is a dispute over real estate commissions.

Can I file an arbitration request and an ethics complaint at the same time? Yes.  Both case types can be filed at the same time. If the Grievance Committee determines that both cases warrant hearings, the arbitration will be held first.

I'd like to file a complaint, but what about confidentiality?  All ethics complaints are kept strictly confidential. Only the staff involved in the administration of cases, members of the Grievance Committee, and the Professional Standards Committee members assigned to the hearing panel will have access to ethics complaints.

Is there a special form I should use when filing an ethics complaint?  File an ethics complaint using Ethics Complaint Form E-1, available from CBR. This form must be accompanied by your typewritten narrative or chronological summary describing the events that occurred.

Where do I submit the ethics complaint?  Submit your complaint via regular mail to Columbus Board of REALTORS®, 2700 Airport Drive, Columbus OH 43219.

Will the person who I'm filing against be notified of my complaint?  Yes. Once your formal complaint has been submitted to CBR, a complete copy is sent to the respondent for a reply, with a copy to respondent?s broker.

How do I know which Article of the Code of Ethics to name in my complaint?  The Code of Ethics is supported by Standards of Practice, which can help explain the types of behavior covered by each Article.

Do I name the Article, or the Standard of Practice, in my complaint? Ethics complaints should be filed based on alleged violation of specific Articles of the Code of Ethics.  You may, however, identify appropriate Standards of Practice in support of your complaint.

What if the respondent is not a member of CBR?  Ethics complaints are filed with the Board of REALTORS® where the responding party holds membership.

Who establishes the rules that CBR follows in handling ethics complaints? CBR is required to follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association of REALTORS®.

How long does the process take? If an ethics complaint goes to a hearing, the process may take 2-3 months. This is because of the time that must be allowed for responses, review by the Grievance Committee, proper notification, and scheduling of the hearing.

What happens if a REALTOR is found in violation of the Code of Ethics? If the hearing panel finds a member to be in violation of the Code of Ethics, they may recommend that the Board of Directors impose disciplinary sanctions.  Such sanctions may include one of more of the following: requirement to complete an appropriate education class, letters of warning or reprimand, an appropriate fine not to exceed $5,000, a specific period of suspension of membership services, or termination of membership.