The C.A.R. Professional Standards Program conducts mediation and arbitration of disputes between REALTOR® members and their clients. To file a complaint, please click on the subject below that applies to your situation. For more information, please get in touch with our Professional Standards Department at 408.445.5061.
C.A.R. recommends that all complainants reach out to the Ombudsman Assistance info line prior to filing a complaint. An Ombudsman can assist in dispute resolution efforts. Ombudsmen are volunteers and not attorney nor lawyers. (Available to the public and REALTOR® members)
If you are a REALTOR®, we highly recommend contacting the Peer-To-Peer Ethics Infoline. A C.A.R. member will assist you in determining which articles of the Code of Ethics, if any, have been violated. For more information, visit the C.A.R. Dispute Resolution Center.
Click here for Peer-To-Peer Ethics Infoline
Seeking Help with Filing Your Ethics Complaint:
An Ethics Advocate is available to guide you through the disciplinary hearing procedural process. Please note that an Ethics Advocate does not replace the role of an attorney. If you choose to hire an attorney, you may still engage an Ethics Advocate to provide additional support. Here is a list of Ethics Advocates that you can reach out to directly.
File an Ethics complaint (review additional information about the complaint process)
If you find yourself in a disagreement about commission entitlement, we encourage you to prioritize the completion of the sale and resolve the issue afterward. It’s best to let the transaction proceed smoothly while you work towards a solution. If you are still unable to find a resolution:
While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence. Select the REALTOR® Code of Ethics file to view from the applicable links below:
C.A.R. Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual
The Code of Ethics – Demystified!
Code of Ethics Audio Clips
Listen to audio clips for each Article (not including the Standards of Practice) read by Stephen Gasque from Real Estate Today Radio.
SCCAOR provides services to help protect your clients, yourself and your commissions through CAR Legal Services and Risk Management programs. Services include the free Legal Hotline, Legal Q & A’s on-line and standard forms.
Main number (213) 739-8282
Broker & Office Managers (213) 739-8350
Have your NRDS number ready before calling the CAR Legal Hotline.
Hours of operation:
Mon – Fri 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
Office of the District Attorney
Real Estate Fraud Unit
70 West Hedding Street, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone 408 808-3787 Fax 408 279-8742
Click here for Tips and Resources for Homeowners to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Fraud
California Dept. of Real Estate
CalDRE Information Line 1 877 373-4LIC (4542)
To file a complaint:
Website: http://www.dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html