Ethics Complaint and Arbitration Process
Have a Complaint?
Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®; only those who belong to a REALTOR® association can use the term "REALTOR®." When joining an association, all members agree to abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® as a continuing condition of membership. It is because of this obligation to abide by the Code that you can file a complaint at a REALTOR® association.
If you have a concern or dispute with a REALTOR®, to resolve your dispute you have the following options:
Contact the broker
Contact the individual's broker to discuss your concern. A conversation with the broker often leads to quick resolution.
File an ethics complaint with the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, including:
- Review detailed professional standards process
- Access ethics complaint form
- Inquire about arbitration under article 17 of the code of ethics
File a complaint with the state of Wisconsin for potential license law violations
File a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). All real estate licensees are regulated by the DSPS, and consumers or other licensees may bring alleged violations of laws governing real estate practice to the attention of the DSPS.
- DSPS complaint form: File online at wi.gov
- Find a Wisconsin licensee: Wisconsin DSPS credential/license search
Further questions
Contact the WRA professional standards administrator at 608-242-2299 or psa@wra.org or Scott Bush at 414-778-4929 or email scott@gmar.com
How the Process Works
- Complaints must be filed in writing. Complaints must be filed within 180 days from the time a complainant knew (or reasonably should have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place.
- A Grievance Review Panel will conduct a preliminary investigation of your complaint to determine if an Ethics Hearing should be held to determine if a violation of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics has occurred.
- Ethics hearings are not held to resolve civil matters or criminal complaints--they are only held to determine if the REALTORS® Code of Ethics had been violated.
- If the Grievance Committee concludes that a hearing should be held, both parties (the complainant and the respondent REALTOR®) are notified of the time and date of the hearing along with instructions as to the procedures that are followed. Both parties are provided an opportunity to state their case and present evidence to the Ethics Hearing Panel.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, the Panel decides if the REALTORS® Code of Ethics has been violated. Disciplinary action can be taken against the REALTOR® ranging from a warning, requirement of educational training, fines, or suspension or even expulsion from the Association. The role of the Association is to vindicate the Code of Ethics and to educate the member.