Overview
Our Association’s Professional Standards Department is responsible for addressing ethical complaints against our members and resolving arbitrations between broker members of the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®. We also collaborate with the SRAR Mediation Services panel of mediators to offer mediation services to broker members. When serving on the Grievance and Professional Standards Committees, our Professional Standards Volunteers have distinct responsibilities. To learn more about these roles, please see the information provided on our Professional Standards Volunteer Roles (PDF).
The Professional Standards Administrator is happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you in the right direction. You may send any inquiries via email to ProfessionalStandards@srar.com or contact Jodi Preece at (818)947-2253.
Ombudsman Program
If you happen to have a disagreement with a member of SRAR, we have a solution for you: our Ombudsman Program. An Ombudsman, who is a seasoned member of the Professional Standards Committee, is available to help resolve issues in an informal manner. They do not make decisions regarding ethics violations or suggest any disciplinary actions. Instead, they can assist in recognizing and resolving misunderstandings and disagreements before they escalate into a formal complaint, which would trigger the grievance process. This service is completely free of charge.
Request an Ethics Advocate
If you need help filing a formal Grievance Complaint, the Association offers the services of an Ethics Advocate (“EA”). The EA can assist you in filling out the necessary forms, and if you and your EA choose, may also represent you at any hearings related to your case and guide you through the hearing process. To request an EA’s assistance, please fill out and submit the form provided.
Ethical Complaints
Open and constructive discussion can often resolve questions or differences between you and your REALTOR®, eliminating the need for further action. If you feel the Ombudsman Program is not the right option for you or have a grievance after participating in the Ombudsman Program, you may file an ethics complaint.
Please keep in mind that, only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics (PDF) of the National Association of REALTORS®.
If the real estate professional (or their broker) you are dealing with is not a REALTOR®, your only recourse may be the state real state licensing authority also known as the Department of Real Estate.
We accept anonymous complaints for specific Code of Ethics violations.
The statute of Limitations is 180 days from the date of the alleged violation.
- Before You File an Ethics Complaint (PDF)
- Disciplinary/Ethics Complaint Form (Fillable PDF)
- 2024 NAR Code of Ethics (English PDF)
- Code of Ethics D-Mystified (PDF)
- MLS Compliance
- Procedures of Disciplinary Hearings (PDF)
- N.A.R. Code of Ethics Case Interpretations
- N.A.R. Commercial Code of Ethics Case Studies
- California Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (PDF)
- SRAR Professional Standards Programs Guide (PDF)
- C.A.R. Implementation Guidelines – Disciplinary (PDF)
- Download the Code of Ethics in different languages!
Arbitration Complaints
The Statute of Limitations is 180 days from the close of escrow. There is a $500 filing fee to be paid by the complainant.
Once the complaint and arbitration filing fee have been received, both parties will have the choice to participate in voluntary mediation. In this process, a neutral mediator will be appointed to assist with reaching a resolution. We strongly recommend that both parties attempt to resolve their disagreement through mediation, as it is less stressful, maintains professional relationships, and is more economical. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case will move on to an arbitration hearing. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. An arbitration award cannot be appealed.
- Arbitration Complaint Packet (Fillable PDF)
- Procuring Cause Guidelines (PDF)
- Procedures of Arbitration Hearings (PDF)
- California Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (PDF)
- C.A.R. Implementation Guidelines – Arbitration (PDF)
Videos explaining Filing, benefits of Mediation, and what to expect at an Arbitration Hearing:
