CODE OF ETHICS

Every leading organization or group of professionals has a foundation that represents what they stand for.  Without these foundations, the legacy, integrity, advantage, competitive difference, and drive toward continued improvement is nearly impossible to have.  For REALTORS® (members of the REALTOR® Association), this foundation is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and sets a high standard over and above licensing law.

As a chartered member of the National Association of REALTORS®, our members agree to subscribe to the Code in their daily business practices.  Click here to download the 2026 Code of Ethics.  Coming soon:  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 8th Triennial Cycle which runs from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027.  New members must complete the course within the first 120 days of joining.   Only REALTOR® Emeritus members or those who complete/renew the C2EX endorsement during the 8th 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.

What are the 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.

How can I file 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.  The next step would be to speak with our Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Silva, CAE, RCE.  

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. 

If I file a complaint with you, does the Association have the authority to suspend or revoke someone’s real estate license?
No, only the RI Department of Business Regulation’s Real Estate Division (a state agency that licenses individuals to sell real estate in the State of Rhode Island) can do this.  Every state has a government agency that regulates real estate license holders.  For more information on Rhode Island’s Real Estate Division, including how to file a complaint against a real estate licensee with them, see their website.

What is the Association’s Citation Policy?Ci
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.  It may apply in some scenarios.  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®.