File a Complaint

There are two forms of written complaints that may be filed at the Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS®. They are Ethics Complaints and Arbitration Requests. 

ETHICS COMPLAINTS are filed if someone feels a member has violated one or more of the seventeen Articles of the NAR Code of Ethics. Click here for a copy of the 2024 REALTOR® Code of Ethics.  There is no filing fee.

REALTORS® operate under the REALTOR Code of Ethics, which outlines standards of professional practice.  If a dispute arises with a REALTOR® regarding several provisions of the Code, complaints may be filed for review by a panel of Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS® members which specializes in ethical standards.  The complaints can come from REALTOR®S or the public.

ARBITRATION REQUESTS involve a dispute over entitlement to a monetary transaction (e.g., a commission).  Refer to Article 17 in the REALTOR Code of Ethics for more information on a REALTOR’S obligation.  There is a $250 fee to file an Arbitration Request.

If you wish to file a written complaint or read about the Ethics and/or Arbitration process – view the Ethics Complaint packet – updated for 2024 or view the Arbitration Request packet – updated for 2024.

Complaints against REALTOR® members are filed at the local Association. Complaints are handled economically and quickly, as opposed to civil litigations, which can become costly and time-consuming.  

Let MJAR’s Code of Ethics enforcement program help you. To learn more about the enforcement of MJAR, view the Code of Ethics Enforcement pamphlet.  Access NAR’s Code of Ethics, professional standards, and mediation resources here.  View the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual for 2024. View the NAR Case Interpretations on each of the 17 Articles of the Code of Ethics.

THREE-WAY AGREEMENT The term three-way agreement refers to the agreement between the National Association of REALTORS® and the state association and local associations of that state.

Local Association = Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS® – 7,800+ members

State Association = New Jersey REALTORS® – 58,000 members

National Association = National Association of REALTORS® – 1.5 million members. The largest trade organization in the U.S.

Real estate transactions can be complex, and for members of the public, it can help to have someone knowledgeable about real estate practices to work to resolve minor disputes. The Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS® has a team of Ombudsmen who work with consumers and REALTORS® to resolve disputes. Any member of the public or REALTOR® member who has a question about or dispute with a REALTOR® can get assistance.

The Ombudsman Program is an informal telephone mediation that aims to resolve minor complaints from a member of the public or REALTOR® without a formal complaint. The Ombudsman of MJAR is REALTORS®, who possesses knowledge of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, license law, and best practices. To learn more about this program, which is available to the public and REALTORS®, view the following documenets and form:

Ombudsman Program Brochure 

Ombudsman Process Overview 

Request for Ombudsman Service Form

Mediation can be valuable in resolving conflicts involving Mid Jersey Association of REALTORS® members and their clients and customers.  Mediation is a form of facilitated negotiation in which an impartial third party attempts to help dispute parties reach a mutually satisfactory solution to their problems. This differs from Arbitration, in which neutral panelists determine the outcome of disputes. Mediation is voluntary for both parties, either of which can end mediation at any time and choose to follow the formal ethics complaint or arbitration request procedure. Parties are not required to accept any resolution proposed in mediation. By mediating, REALTORS® and their clients/customers who would otherwise arbitrate their contractual and specific non-contractual disputes before a professional standards hearing panel can save time, money, and relationships. Finally, it allows the parties to craft a solution they can live with instead of formal Arbitration, in which a hearing panel’s decision is binding on the parties. The goal of a successful mediation is to have both parties reach a mutual agreement in writing upon the mediation’s conclusion. Once the agreement is signed, parties are legally bound to abide by its terms.  

MJAR offers our members, their clients, and customers the opportunity to use mediation to resolve conflicts. We ensure that the process is fair, flexible, and confidential. View the Request for Mediation Form.

Discrimination against people belonging to a protected class is illegal in New Jersey and Nationally. Complaints related to discrimination are handled by the state of New Jersey or by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Resources:

• Protected Classes in New Jersey
• Federal Protected Classes
• File a Complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
• File a Complaint with HUD