What Members Must Know
On January 1, 2017, changes to the Regional Rules and Regulations for the SentriLock® Lockbox System and the Citation System will take effect. NVAR will also introduce a process for individuals to file certain Code of Ethics complaints anonymously. For a full copy of the current SentriLock® rules, Code of Ethics, and the Citation System, visit go.NVAR.com/2017ethics.
Q: How are the SentriLock® Rules changing?
A: On January 1, 2017, the fines for SentriLock® violations are increasing. For a first offense in a three-year period, the maximum fine is increasing from $1,000 to $2,500. For a second offense in a three-year period, the $5,000 maximum fine remains. However, SentriLock® privileges may be suspended for up to 90 days instead of 30.
Q: Who do is governed by the SentriLock® Rules?
A: NVAR is part of a regional group of Realtor® associations that enforce the same rules. All members of NVAR, Prince William (PWAR), Dulles (DAAR), Blue Ridge (BRAR), Fredericksburg (FAAR), and Greater Piedmont (GPAAR) associations, are subject to the Regional Rules and Regulations for the SentriLock® Lockbox System.
Q: What changes can I expect to see from the Citation System?
A: On Effective January 1, 2017, the Citation System will include new violations. These include allegations under Articles 3, 6, 12, and 16 of the Code of Ethics. If an ethics complaint contains allegations of behaviors that fall under the Citation System, the Realtor® respondent may pay the fine associated with the behavior and consider the matter closed.
The fine for sharing a code generated by the SentriSmart™ Mobile App is also increasing. Any member who generates a code using the App will face a fine of $950, which mirrors the fine for sharing a SentriCard® and PIN.
Q: When NVAR launches the anonymous complaint process, can I file all complaints anonymously?
A: Only certain advertising allegations under Article 12 of the Code of Ethics will be eligible for anonymous filing. These are violations that can typically be shown through the use of photographs or screenshots of websites. For example, failing to disclose the firm name and state(s) of licensure on a Realtor® firm website is a violation under Article 12 that may be filed anonymously as the complainant can easily show that the information is missing by providing a screenshot of the website.
Q: Don’t I have a right to face my accuser?
A: All of the allegations that may be filed anonymously are also eligible for the Citation System. If an accused Realtor® decides to proceed to a hearing instead of paying the fine, the Complainant must appear. If the Complainant is unwilling to participate in a hearing, the Grievance Committee will substitute in as the Complainant if it finds clear, strong, and convincing evidence of a violation.
