REALTORS® Commercial Alliance
of California
Join us Wednesday, April 15th, 4:00 Pacific
RCAOC Zoom:
CRE Property Pitch & Pro Networking!
Sign up for our e-mail list at RCAoC.org to receive event announcements & more!
Professional Standards:
The National Association of REALTORS®, NAR, Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients' best interests.
The Code has been updated many times through the years to reflect current developments in our profession. Even with the best of efforts, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS® and/or their peers and clients.
The RCAOC Professional Standards Committee is charged with the responsibility for the enforcement of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and all other membership duties and obligations. The RCAOC Professional Standards Committee may be able to assist you in resolving ethics or arbitration issues, by quickly and economically settling these disputes without going to court. NAR provides information and resources on Professional Standards and Code of Ethics.
Click to download a PDF of the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
California Association of REALTORS®, CAR, also has a web page with helpful information: CAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Summary)
If you are considering filing an ethics complaint, it may be helpful to review Before You File an Ethics Complaint from the 2025 NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
Issues Requiring Other Support:
Licensing Issues: Contact the California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
Criminal Conduct: Contact local law enforcement (police, sheriff)
Contractual/Civil Legal Disputes: Consult Legal Counsel
REALTOR® Ombudsmen Program:
REALTOR® Ombudsmen can help you understand if a possible violation has occurred and recommend ways to resolve the situation before it becomes a more formal process. Ombudsmen are available to both REALTOR® members and members of the public.
What is it?
The Ombudsman Program is a FREE voluntary way of discovering if a possible ethics or rules violation has occurred with other members or clients.
How does it work?
Ombudsmen do not advocate for any party or attempt to decide who is at fault. Instead, they assist all of the parties in understanding the issues and recommend options for resolving the situation before a more formal process is necessary.
What happens if the parties can’t agree?
If the parties can’t agree to the Ombudsman’s recommendation, they can proceed with a mediation or enforcement process with the Association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® is a member, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) or the court system.
What information will you need?
If you would like ombudsman assistance, you must provide the following information to get started:
* Your name, email and telephone number
* Members: Your license number
* Non-members: The license number of the agent who is representing you
* For dispute resolution: The license number of the other party in a real estate transaction
* The topic of the matter
Use the following link to connect with an Ombudsman, the California Association of REALTORS®. Consumer and REALTOR® Ombudsman Hotline. You may also e-mail [email protected] or call 213-739-7227.
This page was last updated on December 8, 2026.
Connect with us offline:
REALTORS Commercial Alliance, Inc.
PO Box 17921
Anaheim, CA 92817-7921
949-371-6611 Voicemail/Text
© 2026 REALTORS Commercial Alliance, Inc.
All rights reserved.