|
Ethics Complaint
|
|
Complaints can be filed against a member and/or broker of PWR by members of the public or any other member. An
ethics complaint should be filed when you want to charge our member with a Code of Ethics, Bylaws or MLS Rules violation.
Keep in mind Pacific West Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association does not have the authority to determine
the status of a Real Estate Licensee, we can however, hold REALTORS® accountable to the Code of Ethics, Bylaws and
MLS Rules & Regulations. To file a licensing complaint, contact the California Department of Real Estate
www.dre.ca.gov or call (213) 620-2072.
|
|
|
Requirements
|
|
Any person, member or non-member, may file an ethics complaint against a member and/or broker alleging a violation of the
Code of Ethics or MLS Rules & Regulations. A Complaint must be filed within 180 days from close of escrow or date of discovery.
You must submit a typed-written summary detailing the events that took place with time frames and any evidence you wish to submit.
Your summary must support the actual Code of Ethics, Bylaws or M.L.S. Rules you are charging against the agent and/or broker.
|
|
Procedure
|
If you want to file a complaint, first read the informative PDF form “Before you File an Ethics Complaint” below for clarification
about what we can and cannot do.
If you decide to file, please complete the PDF form “Disciplinary Complaint Form D-1” below, identify the Code of Ethics you want
to charge and return it to the Association office with a detailed summary of the events that took place (no filing fee to file an ethics complaint).
Your complaint will then be sent to the Grievance Committee and they will determine if it should go forward for a hearing.
If they vote to send it forward, the Respondent will then be notified a complaint has been filed against them and they will
have 20 days to send in a response. A hearing will be scheduled at which you will present your case to a panel of three members
from the Professional Standards Department. They will come to a decision and administer disciplinary action if deemed appropriate.
To ensure due process to both sides, the entire process takes approximately 2-3 months.
|
|
Disciplinary Action
|
|
What will happen to the agent if he is found in violation? The penalties range from a letter of warning in their file, to required
education, a fine of up to $15,000 (MLS Violation), suspension of M.L.S. or association services and/or notification to the Department
of Real Estate about the complaint. The Association does not, however, have the authority to remove or terminate a member’s license.
|
Questions? Call the PWR Professional Standards Department 714.245.5500
Review the forms below to file your ethics complaint.
|
|
|
back to top
|