Grievance

The Tyler & Bursch, LLP is corporate counsel to the Southwest Riverside County Association of REALTORS® (SRCAR®) and is responsible for the processing of all disciplinary and arbitration complaints.

If you are encountering problems with a REALTOR® member of SRCAR®, you have free options available to you.

Ombudsman Program

If you are in a dispute with a member of SRCAR®, your issue may be resolved through the use of our Ombudsman Program. This program is designed to have an experienced member contact both parties and attempt to resolve the matter in an informal way. Attached are the following documents to assist you in requesting an Ombudsman:

  1.  Notice of Ombudsman Services
  2. Application to Participate in Ombudsman Program
  3. Ombudsman Procedures

Disciplinary (Ethics) Complaint

If you feel the Ombudsman Program is not the right option for you, or your dispute is not resolved after participating in the Ombudsman Program, you may file a Disciplinary Complaint. Attached are the following documents to assist you in filing a Disciplinary Complaint with SRCAR®:

  1. Disciplinary Complaint Form (D-1);
  2. How to Obtain the Assistance from an Ethics Advocate;
  3. Request for Ethics Advocate Form (D-23);
  4. Ethics Advocate Acceptance Form (D-23A);
  5. Ethics Advocate Communication Preference Form (D-23B);
  6. 2022 REALTOR Code of Ethics;
  7. CRMLS Rules and Regulations; and,
  8. 2022 CAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

If you desire assistance with completion of the Disciplinary Complaint (Form D-1), you will find the names of several Ethics Advocates (“EA”) (Form D-23A). The EA will help you complete the Disciplinary Complaint and other required forms. There is no cost for the use of an EA. If you wish the assistance of an EA, please complete and return:

  1. Request for Ethics Advocate Form (D-23)
  2. Ethics Advocate Acceptance Form (D-23A); and,
  3. Ethics Advocate Communication Preference Form (D-23B).

PLEASE NOTE: IN ORDER TO USE THE SERVICES OF AN EA, YOU MUST AGREE TO HOLD SRCAR® HARMLESS AND WAIVE ANY CLAIM FOR LIABILITY AGAINST SRCAR® OR THE EA FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE EA IN ASSISTING YOU.

If you do not wish the assistance of an EA, there is no need to return Forms D-23, D-23A and D-23B. To file a Disciplinary Complaint without the assistance of an EA, please complete the Complaint form, including those Articles of the Code of Ethics and/or MLS Rules you feel have been violated. Attach a supporting statement (Exhibit 1) and any additional documents you feel may assist us, and return everything to The TYLER & BURSCH, LLP office at 25026 Las Brisas Road Murrieta, California 92562.

Please be advised that in order for a complaint to be considered filed timely with SRCAR®, the complaint must be filed within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after the facts constituting the alleged wrongful conduct occurred. You must file within the time limit, even if you are assisted by an EA.

SRCAR® cannot cancel or enforce contracts, and does not have authority to take action regarding the licensing status of its members. Disciplinary complaints are aimed at disciplinary action. No money is awarded. If a member is found in violation of any Articles of the Code of Ethics, MLS Rules and Regulations, and/or Membership Duties, they will be disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the California Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, the relevant portion of which is attached.

Your complaint will be reviewed by members of our Grievance Committee who meet monthly. That group does not determine guilt or innocence, but does determine whether or not a disciplinary complaint is appropriate for a formal hearing. If your complaint is forwarded to Professional Standards for a formal hearing, you will be required to testify and prove your case. You will be advised in writing of the action taken by the Grievance Committee.

If you have any questions regarding any of the information attached, please feel free to contact Linda M. Conaway; the contact information is listed below.

Linda M. Conaway, Professional Standards Coordinator
SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
c/o
Tyler & Bursch, LLP.
Riverside County Office
25026 Las Brisas Road
Murrieta, California 92562
Telephone: (800) 446-3646
Facsimile: (951) 271-9039
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tylerbursch.com

Last modified: February 22, 2022 at 9:09 am | Originally published: October 10, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Printed: March 19, 2024