| Professional Standards |
File a Complaint
REALTORS® adhere to rigorous standards outlined in the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® fails to meet these standards, the California Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Program offers several options to resolve a dispute.
Ethics Complaints and Arbitration Requests »
Contact the Broker:
Reach out to the REALTOR®'s broker and inform them about the situation. This step may lead to a swift resolution. You can look up the agent's broker by visiting the Department of Real Estate website.
Utilize the C.A.R. Ombudsman Program:
This program is available exclusively for C.A.R. members. A C.A.R. ombudsman will work closely with both parties to find a resolution for non-legal disputes. If you wish to engage an ombudsman, please visit the link below.
C.A.R. Ombudsman Program »
File an Ethics Complaint (Members):
File an Ethics Complaint »
If you are a REALTOR®, C.A.R. highly recommends 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.
C.A.R. Peer-To-Peer Ethics Infoline »
Seeking Help Filing Your 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.
Request an Ethics Advocate 
Schedule time with our C.A.R. Professional Standards Consultant.
Request appointment
(Review additional information about the complaint process)
Additional Resources
C.A.R. Resources for REALTOR® Members
Peer-to-Peer Ethics - C.A.R. offers a free ethics infoline for REALTOR® members who would like assistance in determining which articles of the Code of Ethics, if any, have been violated. - non-legal ethics matters. request form
Ombudsman Assistance - An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions! C.A.R. Ombudsman Request Form
C.A.R. Legal Hotline (213) 739-8282
C.A.R. Professional Standards Program - REALTORS® adhere to rigorous standards outlined in the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® fails to meet these standards.
Resources for Consumers/Public:
Ombudsman Assistance - An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions!
C.A.R. Professional Standards Program - REALTORS® adhere to rigorous standards outlined in the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® fails to meet these standards.