As REALTORS®, we are pledged to a strict code of professional ethics that safeguards our clients and the
public. As an association, it's one of our top priorities to assure that real estate is a profession to be proud of. If you
have encountered a real estate agent who you believe has engaged in unprofessional, unethical, or incompetent
conduct, there are several options available to you.
Please keep in mind that we are unable to offer legal advice regarding your specific situation. The following
information is not all-inclusive, and you may wish to pursue multiple options at once. In all cases, it may be to your
benefit to consult with an attorney before pursuing any of the actions below.
WHAT TO TRY FIRST
First and foremost, as with the early stages of any dispute, start off by contacting the agent’s broker of
record. By initially trying to resolve matters personally, you may be able to avoid protracted proceeding or
having to use up hours of valuable personal time. You may also be able to resolve monetary disputes
informally and finally without involving third parties.
You will be speaking informally with a company manager and/or owner (as opposed to the agent in
question). Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for
further action.
However, if the agent cannot or will not resolve the matter to your satisfaction, then you must
determine if your action deals primarily with an ethical concern or if you are seeking
compensation for losses you wish to claim.
Resolution of Ethical Concerns
If your complaint deals primarily with whether the actions or inactions taken by an agent were ethical or
lawful rather than specifically seeking damages for a loss sustained, then you may consider the following
options:
File an ethics complaint with LCBR
File a complaint with the real estate commission
File a complaint with law enforcement
Compensation for Losses Sustained
If you have sustained monetary losses as a result of action by the agent, then your options include the
following:
File a claim with the LCBR Professional Standards and Arbitration Committee
Contact an attorney to seek civil restitution
FILE A COMPLAINT WITH RAMP
When to consider it: If you believe an agent has engaged in unethical behavior, we suggest you
examine the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. You can review the code to search for relevant provisions.
What it does: If an agent is found to be in violation of the Code, possible reprimands include fines,
formal warnings, and loss of REALTOR® membership. You will not receive any restitution or other
payments as a result of this process.
How to do it: Call the LCBR for a detailed overview of the process and to download a complaint form.
Please be aware that you (and any witnesses you may have) will be required to attend a formal hearing to
proceed with your complaint.
FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE LICENSURE BUREAU
When to consider it: If you believe an agent has violated the terms of his/her real estate license by
engaging in conduct prohibited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
What it does: The Real Estate Commission will pursue an investigation if it finds your complaint to have
merit and legal standing. Depending on the results of the inquiry, prosecution may follow. Potential
outcomes include civil fines and loss or suspension of license. You will not receive any restitution or other
payments as a result of this process.
How to do it: For more details about the handling of complaints, click here. To download an official
complaint form, click here . Be aware that you (and any witnesses you may have) could be required to
attend and testify before a formal hearing panel.
FILE A COMPLAINT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
When to consider it: If you or someone else may have been the victim of criminal conduct by a person
who is (or poses as) a real estate agent, mortgage broker, etc.
What it does: Beyond the penalties enumerated above, the perpetrator could be subject to incarceration
and/or severe fines.
How to do it: Contact your local police department. In Pennsylvania, the public prosecutor is the county
district attorney.
FILE A CLAIM WITH THE LCBR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ARBITRATION COMMITTEE
When to consider it: If you have a claim against an agent with whom you have a contractual
relationship.
What it does: After receiving your claim, the committee will proceed pursuant to the Pennsylvania
Arbitration Act and may conduct a hearing at which you and any witnesses you may have may be required
to attend to proceed with your complaint
How to do it: Contact LCBR’s professional standards administrator for an overview of the process or to
obtain necessary forms.
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A LAW SUIT
When to consider it: If your complaint involves the desire to achieve restitution or damages in
compensation for an agent's botched handling of a real estate transaction.
What it does: Pending a review of the case by your attorney, you may wish to file a civil law suit that
would proceed through the court system and/or settlement.
How to do it: Contact an attorney of your choice.