Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
4358 Starkey Rd., Roanoke VA 24018
OVERVIEW: Filing an Ethics Complaint
Background
Local Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® 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 a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.
If, after discussing matters with your real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to consider filing an ethics complaint.
You will want to keep in mind that . . .
- Only REALTORS® are subject to the Code of Ethics 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 or the courts.
- Associations of REALTORS® determine whether the Code of Ethics has been violated, not whether the law or real estate regulations have been broken. Those decisions can only be made by the licensing authorities or the courts.
- Associations of REALTORS® can discipline REALTORS® for violating the Code of Ethics. Typical forms of discipline include attendance at courses and seminars designed to increase REALTORS®’ understanding of the ethical duties or other responsibilities of real estate professionals. REALTORS® may also be reprimanded, fined, or their membership can be suspended or terminated for serious or repeated violations. Associations of REALTORS® cannot require REALTORS® to pay money to parties filing ethics complaints; cannot award “punitive damages” for violations of the Code of Ethics; and cannot suspend or revoke a real estate professional’s license.
Filing an ethics complaint
The Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS® is a participant in the Virginia REALTORS® (VAR) Statewide Professional Standards Cooperative. VAR’s team of attorneys and trained staff handles all aspects of complaints and related ethics hearings, if warranted.
If you have questions, you may contact VAR’s Professional Services Departments at 804-249-5714 or email VAR at prostandards@virginiarealtors.org.
Click here if you are ready to file an ethics complaint with VAR.
Conclusion
- Many ethics complaints result from misunderstanding or a failure in communication. Before filing an ethics complaint, make reasonable efforts to communicate with your real estate professional or a principal broker in the firm. If these efforts are not fruitful, the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS® can give you the procedures and forms necessary to file an ethics complaint.
Rev. 1/2026