File an Ethics Complaint

 

Step 1: Determine if the real estate licensee is a Realtor® Member

Search our Member Directory to determine if the real estate licensee is a Realtor® member. 

Why does it matter if the Licensee is a Realtor®?

Ethics complaints can only be filed against real estate professionals who are fully licensed Realtors®. As members of Iowa Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), they must abide by NAR’s Code of Ethics. The Code imposes duties beyond those enforced by laws and regulations. Learn more by visiting NAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards web page.

Step 2: Determine if you want to file a complaint

If you are not sure you are ready to fine a complaint you can contact the Iowa REALTORS® Ombudsman Program. 

The Ombudsman program offers informal telephone mediation to help resolve minor complaints from the public and address REALTOR®-to-REALTOR® conflicts before they escalate. Acting as a neutral party, an Ombudsman assists in finding mutually agreeable solutions but does not impose them. This process typically involves situations where an ethics complaint or arbitration request hasn’t been filed but communication has broken down.

Role of the Ombudsman:
An Ombudsman’s role is to facilitate communication and encourage resolution, not to make judgements or determine if an ethics violation has occurred. They work to identify and help resolve misunderstandings before they grow into formal disputes or lead to charges of unethical behavior.

How it works:
To get started, email our Professional Standards Administrator, Olga at prostandards@iowarealtors.com with a brief description of the issue. Once your email is received, an Ombudsman will reach out to help resolve the misunderstanding or disagreement. Don’t forget to include your phone number for them to contact you directly. If the matter remains unsolved, you still have the option to file an ethics complaint or request arbitration.  

Step 3: Before filing, try working it out with the Realtor® or their Broker

Many difficulties between Realtors® and their clients result from misunderstanding or lack of adequate communication. If you have not done so already, express your concerns to the Realtor® or contact the principal broker or office manager.

 

Step 4: If you can’t work it out, file a complaint

When negotiations break down, if you have determined that you would like to file an ethics complaint, please read How to File an Ethics Complaint page for specific steps and more about the process.