High Standards

The South Dakota REALTORS^® and its local member boards enforces the REALTORS^® Code of Ethics for those individuals who hold membership in the National Association of REALTORS^®. The Code distinguishes REALTORS® from licensed agents and brokers who do not join the association. The Code sets forth the obligations of a REALTOR^®  to their clients and customers, to members of the public, and to one another.

Difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS^® or non-members) typically result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with him or her directly, or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion may resolve questions and adversity, eliminating the need for further action.

There are two types of hearings: ethics (actions and words) and arbitrations (commission/business disputes). Alleged ethics violations can be filed by anyone (both REALTORS^® and consumers). Hearing panels, made up of REALTORS^®, have disciplinary powers that include continuing education requirements, letters of warning or reprimand, fines, suspensions, and termination from membership.

Before You File

Please review the information contained in the document Before You File an Ethics Complaint to familiarize yourself with the complaint procedures.

After reviewing the previous document, please review the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  If you believe a REALTOR® may have violated one or more of the Articles of the Code of Ethics, refer to the Code of Ethics Complaint Form below and the accompanying instructions to file an ethics complaint.

Before filing your complaint please remember that not all real estate licensees are REALTORS®.  The SD REALTORS® only has jurisdiction over active members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  In addition, the South Dakota REALTORS® is not the licensing agency in South Dakota.  License law violations fall under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.  If you have a question regarding whether or not a licensee has violated South Dakota License Laws please contact the South Dakota Real Estate Commission at (605) 773-3600.

Ethics

REALTORS® abide by the strict standards of the Code of Ethics. If a REALTOR® has failed to meet these standards, you can file a complaint. First, you must determine if the person is a REALTOR® and, thus, bound by the Code of Ethics. Member Lookup

• File an Ethics complaint
  • Ethics Complaint Form
• Use an Ombudsman
  • Ombudsman Program Outline
  • Ombudsman Request Form
• Current Code of Ethics

Arbitration

Arbitration is a process by which an individual seeks reimbursement for monies they feel they are owed based on a contractual agreement or a specific non-contractual agreement.

• File an Arbitration Complaint
  • Request and Agreement to Arbitrate
  • Request and Agreement to Arbitrate (Nonmember)