Issues & Concerns

Each year, countless real estate transactions are successfully facilitated in Ontario with the assistance of REALTORS®. Most of these transactions proceed smoothly and without any issues. However, on rare occasions, challenges may arise.

The Sudbury Real Estate Board is dedicated to fostering and advocating for a strong sense of professionalism among its Members. SREB places great importance on addressing complaints in a thorough manner, ensuring a fair investigation process where all involved parties have the chance to express their perspectives.

SREB is vested with the power to investigate and take appropriate actions against conduct that violates its By-laws, sections of the REALTOR® Code, and MLS® Rules & Regulations. However, it’s important to note that SREB does not have the authority to handle contractual or monetary disputes.

Making a complaint against a REALTOR®

Collaborating with a REALTOR® greatly enhances the likelihood of a smooth real estate transaction. However, there are instances when even professional services encounter challenges. If you have any concerns regarding a past real estate transaction or the actions of your REALTOR®:

First, try communicating with the REALTOR® and/or their Broker or Manager if possible. Many issues arise due to miscommunication, and open dialogue can often resolve them.
Secondly, you may want to consult with your lawyer. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer could potentially mediate the situation or provide insights into your available options.
There’s a third option that you might not be aware of: The Board has its own Professional Standards process to address such matters.

If you have any concerns or complaints against a REALTOR® and wish to address them, you can reach out to the Sudbury Real Estate Board’s CEO. To initiate this process, you can contact the CEO by email at eo@sudburyrealestateboard.com or by phone at 705-673-3388. The CEO will provide guidance in assessing whether your complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Real Estate Board, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), or if you should seek legal advice. The CEO possesses extensive knowledge regarding real estate transactions, the regulations governing Members, the Code of Ethics & Standards of Business Practice, the REALTOR® Code, and the rules of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS® System). Rest assured, the CEO and SREB staff will assist you through the resolution process professionally and comprehensively. If your complaint is found to fall within the jurisdiction of SREB, the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) will appoint researchers to investigate. After the investigation is concluded, the PSC will decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include closing the file, imposing a fine, or forwarding the complaint to a Discipline Panel. If the PSC dismisses a complaint, it means they did not find sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof required for a Discipline Hearing.

If you choose to do so, you have the option to submit a Formal Complaint to SREB’s Professional Standards Committee, addressed to the CEO. Please provide as much detail as possible in the complaint and include any relevant supporting documentation. The handling of Formal Complaints follows the principles of natural justice, which entail avoiding bias and ensuring a fair hearing. It’s essential to note that the identity of the complainant must be disclosed as part of the process.

You can submit your Complaint via email to eo@sudburyrealestateboard.com or send a paper copy to the Sudbury Real Estate Board, Attn: Chief Executive Officer, 190 Elm Street, Sudbury ON P3C 1V3.

** IMPORTANT: If your Complaint is already under investigation by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) or if you are presently involved in legal proceedings, SREB will defer processing your complaint until these ongoing processes are concluded.