REALTOR® 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 REALTOR® members agree to subscribe to the Code in their daily business practices.  Click here to download the 2026 Code of Ethics.  Coming soon for 2026:  the Code in various language translations.

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.

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, you must first check our directory to verify that the individual is a member here. If the individual is not a member with us, they may possibly be a member of one of the other 4 Boards in Rhode Island.  Complaints must be filed with the individual’s appropriate Board of membership.  Next you would speak with our CEO Suzanne Silva.  

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) 333-6363, ext. 12, for assistance.

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 Professional Standards Citation Policy?
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® effective 1/1/2023.  Please read the Citation Policy here as it may apply from time to time.

Mediation
Should there be a commission dispute between brokerage firms and both firms are members of this Board, please contact our Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Silva, CAE, RCE, at (401) 333-6343, ext. 12, for assistance.  The Northern Rhode Island Board has adopted mandatory Mediation.  Read more about Mediation in this brochure.  For instances of interboard mediation or arbitration, please refer to these Professional Standards Resources from the Rhode Island 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®.

National Association of REALTORS®
Additional resources on the Code of Ethics provided by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Membership Requirement
All REALTOR® members are required to complete a course on the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® once every three (3) years. Effective 1/1/25, the 8th Triennial began, meaning members will have to complete this required course once between 1/1/25–12/31/27.  Newer members of our Board must complete this within the first 90 days of their membership.  Members are then required to submit their certificate to the Board office for our review.  Only REALTOR® Emeritus members or those who achieve the C2EX endorsement in this time frame are exempt.

Check out our professional development page.