REALTORS® are held to a higher standard of conduct in the industry than are other real estate licensees. REALTORS® are bound by the Code while other real estate agents are not. The Ohio Division of Real Estate issues licenses to practice in Ohio and enforces the law. The Toledo Board of REALTORS® or any local association is charged with enforcing the Code of Ethics.

The first Code was adapted in 1913 as one of the fundamental objectives of the founders of the National Association of REALTORS®. Consisting of 17 separate Articles, the Code has been amended many times to reflect changes in the real estate industry and the needs of the consumer. But its demand for high standards of professional conduct protecting the rights of clients and consumers, and safeguarding the rights of all consumers of real estate service, will never change.

The Code of Ethics is divided into three sections: duties to clients and customers, duties to the public, and duties to other REALTORS®. These articles create enforceable obligations and establish a standard of conduct which REALTORS® must abide by. They govern REALTORS® conduct in business, and failure to abide by them may result in disciplinary action.

The Grievance & Professional Standards Committees of the Toledo Board of REALTORS® oversee this compliance with the Code of Ethics.

To file a complaint with the Toledo Board of REALTORS® please refer to the Code of Ethics to determine which, if any, articles have been violated. If you feel that an article(s) the Code of Ethics has been violated please refer to the Ethics Complaint Form.

NEXT   Background...

PROCEED TO   Online ethics complaint form...