{"id":474,"date":"2022-06-15T16:40:11","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T20:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/elephanteardesign.com\/ragc\/?page_id=474"},"modified":"2022-09-09T12:39:16","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T16:39:16","slug":"filing-an-ethics-complaint","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/elephanteardesign.com\/ragc\/professional-standards\/code-of-ethics\/filing-an-ethics-complaint\/","title":{"rendered":"Filing an Ethics Complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;566&#8243; img_size=&#8221;100&#215;100&#8243; alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;left-to-right&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-header&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing a problem with a REALTOR\u00ae that you feel falls under the scope of the\u00a0Code of Ethics, this page provides details regarding the time limit to file, the 3-Step procedure to file to a complaint as well as the ethics hearing process and potential discipline outcomes.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Access Code of Ethics&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;primary&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-external-link&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nar.realtor%2Fabout-nar%2Fgoverning-documents%2Fcode-of-ethics%2F2022-code-of-ethics-standards-of-practice||target:%20_blank|&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1655403186942{background-color: #034355 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-dark&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;494&#8243; img_size=&#8221;100&#215;100&#8243; alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;left-to-right&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Time Limit for Filing Ethics Complaints&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-header&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Within 180 Days&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]A complaint must be filed within 180 days from the date the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been known by the Complainant in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or within 180 days of closing, whichever is later.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;More than 180 Days&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]If the matter occurred more than 180 days ago, the Grievance Advisory Committee will not forward the complaint for hearing before the Professional Standards Committee. Instead, it is suggested that the Complainant seek legal advice.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;497&#8243; img_size=&#8221;100&#215;100&#8243; alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;left-to-right&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Three Steps for Filing an Ethics Compliant&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-header&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]The procedure for filing an ethics complaint with the REALTOR\u00ae Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) has three (3) primary steps.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Step One&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Read the Code of Ethics and Identify Which Article(s) has been Violated&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>As you read the Code of Ethics, make notes as to which Article(s) of the Code you believe have been violated by the REALTOR\u00ae.<\/li>\n<li>Please note the actual Article(s) you feel have been violated as well as the Standards of Practice (which may be referenced as support of the alleged violation).<\/li>\n<li>The Article numbers will need to be included on the formal complaint form as referred to in the second step.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Access Code of Ethics&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;primary&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-external-link&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nar.realtor%2Fabout-nar%2Fgoverning-documents%2Fcode-of-ethics%2F2022-code-of-ethics-standards-of-practice||target:%20_blank|&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1655375012592{margin-top: 30px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Step Two&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;If One or More Articles have been Violated, File a Formal Complaint&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]If, after reading the\u00a0Code of Ethics, you believe that one or more Articles have been violated, you are ready to file a formal complaint.<\/p>\n<p>When filing a complaint, you will need to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be as specific as possible when providing information regarding your complaint by listing the actions or inactions by the REALTOR\u00ae that you believe were a violation<\/li>\n<li>Cite the appropriate Article or Articles of the Code of Ethics related to the complaint<\/li>\n<li>Provide copies of supporting documentation which will be needed in order to process the complaint<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Filing a Formal Ethics Complaint&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]<strong>Contact Us via Email<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Send an email to us to have the paperwork sent to you for processing your complaint.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Email Us&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;primary&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-envelope-o&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:mailto%3Aquestions%40CincyRealtorAlliance.com%3Fsubject%3DFiling%20an%20Ethics%20Complaint|||&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1662741434487{margin-top: 30px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Step Three&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;If your Complaint Qualifies for a Formal Hearing, You will be Required to Appear&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]If the Grievance Advisory Committee determines that the complaint qualifies for a formal hearing, your appearance at a hearing will be required.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This will be your opportunity to address members of the REALTOR\u00ae Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Professional Standards Committee with your complaint.<\/li>\n<li>The REALTOR\u00ae whom your complaint is against will also be required to attend the hearing and explain or defend his\/her actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_class=&#8221;.section-dark&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1655373713146{background-color: #034355 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;519&#8243; img_size=&#8221;100&#215;100&#8243; alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;left-to-right&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Discipline to a Member found in Violation of the Code of Ethics&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-header&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]The Alliance can administer discipline to a REALTOR\u00ae found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Send a letter of warning or reprimand to the member, with a copy placed in the member\u2019s personal file.<\/li>\n<li>Direct the member to attend an ethics class or other training appropriate to the violation.<\/li>\n<li>Fine the member up to $15,000.<\/li>\n<li>Place the member on probation (with regard to membership).<\/li>\n<li>Suspend the member from Alliance membership or MLS access.<\/li>\n<li>Expel the member from Alliance membership or MLS access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_class=&#8221;.section-dark&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1655373878869{background-color: #034355 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;The REALTOR\u00ae Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) is a voluntary membership trade association and has legal limits on its authority.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>RAGC cannot conduct a hearing to determine violations of law, nor can it enforce contracts or award monetary damages to a party in a case.\u00a0 These powers are reserved to the courts and\/or state licensing authority.<\/li>\n<li>RAGC also does not have the power to revoke an individual\u2019s real estate license.\u00a0 This power falls under the authority of the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;487&#8243; img_size=&#8221;100&#215;100&#8243; alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;left-to-right&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Code of Ethics Enforcement Processes&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; el_class=&#8221;section-header&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]The REALTOR\u00ae Alliance of Greater Cincinnati has various options for Code of Ethics enforcement and addressing complaints that may or may not be possible infractions of the Code.<\/p>\n<p>Our Code of Ethics Enforcement Processes page details the options for addressing a complaint, including Ombudsman, Citation, Mediation or Hearing.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Code of Ethics Enforcement Processes&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;primary&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Felephanteardesign.com%2Fragc%2Fprofessional-standards%2Fcode-of-ethics%2Fcode-of-ethics-enforcement-processes%2F|title:Code%20of%20Ethics%20Enforcement%20Processes||&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;page-disclaimer&#8221;][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=&#8221;5&#8243; el_width=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<strong>Legal Complaint<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are experiencing a problem with a REALTOR\u00ae that is legal in nature or if it pertains to the interpretation of a contract, it is suggested you contact an attorney.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;566&#8243; 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