Ethics enforcement
If a real estate agent has joined the REALTOR® association, they pledge to meet the REALTOR® Code of Ethics’ high standards of professional conduct.
Enforcement of the Code of Ethics is the responsibility of local and state REALTOR® associations. Associations provide dispute resolution service and professional standards enforcement services including but not limited to mediation services, ethics hearings and arbitration hearings.
The WRA provides professional standards enforcement procedures for all local associations.
Four methods are available for REALTORS® to resolve disputes:
- Ombudsman: informal resolution handled by your local association.
- Mediation: a neutral mediator helps resolve disputes before they escalate.
- Ethics complaints: address alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.
- Arbitration: a formal process to resolve certain disputes after mediation.
Professional standards enforcement services
Enforcement of the Code of Ethics is the responsibility of local and state REALTOR® associations. Local associations provide ombudsman services, which are considered informal mediation. The WRA provides mediation services, ethics hearings and arbitration hearings as part of the statewide cooperative enforcement agreement.
Ombudsman services
If you are interested in ombuds services, contact the local REALTOR® association.
Meditation
Mediation is a process in which parties, with the assistance of a neutral mediator, attempt to resolve their dispute by mutual agreement. REALTOR® mediation is a free alternative dispute resolution technique used as an alternative to litigation or formal ethics or arbitration hearings. Mediation services may be requested at the local REALTOR® association where the REALTOR® holds membership.
Ethics complaints
If you believe a REALTOR® has violated one or more articles of the Code of Ethics, a complaint alleging a violation of the Code of Ethics may be filed with the local REALTOR® association where the REALTOR® holds membership or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned or operated MLS. Prior to filing an ethics complaint, find more information about the process in the National Association of REALTORS®' "Before You File an Ethics Complaint" brochure.
The WRA uses the CasePro case management system for ethics complaints. To learn about using CasePro, watch the video tutorial for assistance.
Arbitation
REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual and certain non-contractual disputes in accordance with Article 17 of the Code of Ethics. Although there may be additional filing options, similar to filing an ethics complaint, an arbitration request may be filed with a member’s local association of REALTORS®.
The professional standards program requires REALTOR® parties to participate in mediation prior to a dispute being heard by an arbitration panel when the requested arbitration relates to a mandatory arbitrable issue, one where the controversy arises out of a real estate transaction and their relationship as REALTORS®.
Mediation is being offered to parties prior to submission of an arbitration request and review by a grievance panel of the professional standards committee. If either party questions whether the dispute would be considered a mandatory arbitrable issue, they may request that mediation be deferred until after an arbitration request is reviewed by a grievance panel. If the named respondent requests review, the complainant will be asked to file a request for arbitration that will be submitted to a grievance panel to determine if an arbitrable issue exists, and whether arbitration would be voluntary or mandatory. See Article 17 of the Code of Ethics for further details.
Citation policy for REALTORS®
Conduct may also be subject to the WRA citation policy. This policy allows the association to issue fines and require completion of education for violations of specific articles of the Code of Ethics.
Ethics complaints received by the association are forwarded to a grievance panel for review. If it is determined the alleged violations in the complaint are citable offenses, the panel will issue a citation based on a predetermined fine schedule. The policy limits the number and type of citations a member may receive. Respondents can choose to either comply with the citation or request an ethics hearing. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential unless the respondent requests a hearing.
Citation schedule of fines
See the list of Code of Ethics violations that may result in citations, including the fines for various violations, plus any required training.
Citation policy procedures
See a full overview of how the citation process works.
WRA Professional Standards Administrator
Phone number: 608-242-2299
Email: psa@wra.org
Our team monitors inquiries Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Calls or emails received outside of these hours are addressed the following business day. Summer 2026 hours: From June 12 through September 4, 2026, Friday hours will be 8:30 a.m. to noon Central. Monday through Thursday hours remain unchanged.
NAR Resources
Here are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®.