CODE OF ETHICS

As a chartered member of the National Association of REALTORS®, we are responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics within our membership.  Our REALTOR® members agree to subscribe to the Code in their daily business practices.  Click here to see a download the 2024 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice. Click here to download The Code in various language translations.

Requirement of Membership
Established REALTOR® members are required to complete a REALTOR® Code of Ethics course every three years on a specific three-year cycle. We are currently in the 7th Triennial Cycle which runs from 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2024. Only REALTOR® Emeritus members or those who complete/renew the C2EX endorsement during the 7th Triennial, will satisfy the Code of Ethics training requirement. Log into the GPBOR member portal to check on the status of your triennial Code of Ethics requirement.

Pathways to Professionalism
Although they may not form the basis of a formal written complaint, issues of courtesy and etiquette are important.  All members are encouraged to practice and extend these professional courtesies in their day-to-day business practice.

Filing an Ethics Complaint
From time to time, disputes may arise in real estate transactions amongst REALTORS® or between a member of the public and a REALTOR®.  Many common disputes arise out of lack of communication.  Be sure to read this article.

Should you wish to file a complaint against a REALTOR® member, please be sure to check our directory to verify that the individual is a member.  If the individual is not a member with us, they possibly be a member of another one of the 4 local Boards in RI.   

We do not accept anonymous complaints. 

Ombuds Services
The first step prior to filing an ethics complaint is to engage the Board’s ombuds services.  Click here to learn more and then contact our Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Silva, CAE, RCE, at (401) 274-8383, ext. 12.  

Citation PolicyCi
Over the years, members have sought ways to avoid the time-consuming process of Ethics complaint filings and hearings.  In response, our Association has adopted the Citation Policy endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in June 2021.  Click here to learn more about this.

Mediation
Should there be a commission dispute between brokerage firms and both firms are members of this Board, please contact Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Silva, CAE, RCE, at (401) 274-8383, ext 12, for assistance.  The Greater Providence Board has adopted mandatory Mediation, which you can read more about in this brochure.  For instances of interboard mediation or arbitration, please refer to these Professional Standards Resources from the RI Association of REALTORS®.  Should the brokerage firms be members of other Boards in RI, this would be an example of an interboard mediation or arbitration that would be administered by the RI Association of REALTORS®.