I am in a dispute with another REALTOR® and believe he or she may have violated the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. What should I do?
REALTORS® and REALTOR-Associates® agree to abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. The NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual proscribes different approaches for contractual or similar type disputes versus unethical behavior. In both situations, it is recommended that you reach out to the other REALTOR® or the REALTOR®’s broker and try to resolve the issue(s) between the parties. If the dispute involves a contractual or similar type issue and you are unable to resolve the dispute by speaking with the other party, you can then pursue arbitration or mediation through your local association. If the dispute involves a Code of Ethics’ violation or violations, and you are unable to resolve the dispute by speaking with the other party, you can file a formal ethics complaint with your local association. If your local association does not accept ethics complaints, the Alabama Association of REALTORS® stands ready to assist you and the local association.
Source: Alabama REALTORS® Bylaws
Date: August 2017
I am afraid to put my name on a complaint. Can I report these violations anonymously?
Yes. AREC accepts anonymous complaints. However, AREC cannot notify you of the outcome of the case or even whether an investigation occurred.
Source: Alabama Real Estate Commission
Date: August 2017
I believe a fellow real estate licensee violated the state’s licensing law. Can I report this conduct to the Alabama Real Estate Commission?
Yes. AREC accepts written complaints. You can mail, email or fax the complaint to: 1201 Carmichael Way, Montgomery AL 36101 (mail); 334-270-9118 (fax); or arec@arec.alabama.gov (email).
Source: Ala. Code § 34-27-36(a)
Date: August 2017
I am a managing real estate broker. One of my sales associates informed me that a complaint was filed against him with the Alabama Real Estate Commission. Will AREC notify me that a complaint was filed against my sales associate?
Yes. When a complaint is filed, AREC will notify the licensee and qualifying broker in writing.
Law: Ala. Code § 34-27-36(d)
Date: August 2017