NVAR

Citation System

NVAR's Professional Standards and Grievance Committees are charged with upholding the highest principles of the Association and ensuring that members adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and the Regional Lockbox Rules. Over the years, members have sought ways to avoid time-consuming ethics complaints and hearings. In response, NVAR introduced a new Citation System.

How the Citation System Works

A REALTOR® or member of the public would file a complaint in the customary manner.

If the Grievance Committee decides that the Articles or Lockbox Rules cited in the complaint make the case eligible for the Citation System, the respondent will be notified and given ten (10) days to elect to participate in the Citation System or request an ethics hearing.

If the respondent agrees to the Citation System, he/she would pay the standard, preset fine associated with that Article. If the Respondent does not respond within ten (10) days, the case is automatically forwarded to the Professional Standards Committee for a full hearing.

Click here to view the NVAR Citation System Brochure

Please note that the Citation System is limited to these violations only. Other Code of Ethics violations and arbitration/mediation services follow the regular complaint process. Click here to handle a dispute.

Why should a respondent elect to use this system?

For Respondents, electing the Citation System avoids an uncomfortable and often time-consuming hearing process while still respecting their due process rights since they may elect NOT to use the Citation System and proceed with a full hearing. The Citation System is as confidential as the hearing process.

For Complainants, there may be less time involved, yet justice will still be served, thereby protecting the industry from unethical behavior. However, if the Respondent elects to have a hearing, the Complainant would need to be prepared to attend.

You can download a copy of the Citation Brochure by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Professional Services Department at 703-207-3212 or email us at ProServices@nvar.com.

Benefits of the System:

For Respondents, electing the Citation System avoids an uncomfortable and often time-consuming hearing process. Due process rights are still protected since Respondents may elect NOT to use the Citation System and proceed with a full hearing. Citation System is confidential, just like the hearing process.

For Complainants, there may be less time involved, yet justice will still be served, thereby protecting the industry from unethical behavior. However, if the Respondent elects to have a hearing, the Complainant would need to be prepared to attend.

Anonymous Complaints:

In response to feedback from our members, NVAR now accepts anonymous complaints to be filed in limited instances. Complaints will still be filed through the online filing system where a complainant can indicate his desire to file the complaint anonymously.

The allegations eligible for anonymous filing are indicated by an asterisk (*).

Download the Brochure PDF Here

NORTHERN VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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