Please read these guidelines to help you determine the best approach to resolve your situation. Boards and Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®. Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with the principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. If, after discussing matters with the real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact Virginia REALTORS® (VAR) (You may contact the VAR Professional Services Department at 804-249-5714 or email at prostandards@virginiarealtors.org) to file an ethics complaint. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics and enforcement procedures are a disciplinary process established to ensure our members adhere to the highest ethical standards in their practice of real estate.
Click here for Ethics complaints, arbitration requests and related information from the National Association of REALTORS®
Please note that we do not have the authority to award actual or punitive damages or to terminate a REALTOR®’s license. The Virginia state agency that has that authority over real estate licensees is the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations and they also have a complaint process. Further information on this can be found at http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Report-Licensee/