March 9, 2026
Claire Brenneman
When you joined the Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS®, you didn’t just join a trade group. You committed to a higher professional standard.
The Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® enforces the REALTOR® Code of Ethics locally on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS®. That Code is what sets REALTORS® apart from licensees who are not members. It is also one of the strongest tools we have to protect professionalism in our marketplace.
Based on member feedback from our recent survey, there is interest in better understanding how the Code works, what it covers, and what to do if you believe a fellow REALTOR® is not meeting those standards.
This guide explains how the REALTOR® Code of Ethics complaint process works and what members should know before reporting a potential violation.
What the Code of Ethics Actually Covers
The Code of Ethics is made up of 17 Articles that establish duties in three areas:
The Code is not a suggestion. It is a condition of membership. It also goes beyond state licensing law. Something can be legal and still violate the Code.
That distinction matters.
Ethics Training Is Not a Box to Check
All REALTORS® are required to complete Code of Ethics training within every three years. This requirement ensures that every member remains current on evolving standards and real-world application.
If you have ever thought, “I know this already,” consider this: most ethics violations are not intentional. They stem from miscommunication, misunderstanding, or assumptions. Regular training protects you, your clients, and your reputation.
Professionalism is not automatic. It is maintained.
When Should You File a REALTOR® Code of Ethics Complaint?
First, pause.
Many disputes are resolved through direct communication. A professional phone call to the agent or their broker often clears up confusion quickly.
However, if you believe a specific Article of the Code has been violated and the issue cannot be resolved informally, you may file a formal REALTOR® Code of Ethics complaint with NMAR.
Here is what that involves:
- Complaints must be filed within 180 days of when you knew or reasonably should have known about the issue
- The complaint must cite the specific Article believed to be violated
- A written narrative explaining what occurred must be included
Once submitted, the Grievance Committee reviews the complaint to determine whether it warrants a hearing. If it moves forward, a Professional Standards hearing panel evaluates the case.
Important clarification: The process determines whether the Code was violated. It does not determine legal guilt, award damages, or impact a real estate license. That authority belongs to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
What Happens If a Violation Is Found?
Discipline is designed to educate and protect the integrity of the profession. Possible outcomes can include:
The goal is not punishment. The goal is accountability and maintaining public trust in REALTORS®. Not every professional standards concern needs to begin with a formal complaint. In many situations, issues can be resolved through communication and facilitated discussion.
Does NMAR provide other options to resolve professional standards disputes?
Yes, the Ombuds and Mediation Programs
NMAR offers informal dispute resolution services through our Ombuds and Mediation programs, designed to address real estate-related questions, misunderstandings, and disagreements before they escalate into formal ethics complaints.
The Ombuds program provides members and the public with access to experienced REALTORS® who serve as knowledgeable contacts for communication and conciliation. Ombuds facilitate resolution primarily through phone-based discussions, helping parties clarify issues, manage emotions, and reach mutually acceptable outcomes.
These volunteer professionals have significant real estate experience, serve on the Professional Standards Committee, and maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process.
The Mediation program functions similarly to the Ombuds process but brings all parties together for face-to-face discussions to resolve disputes. Both programs focus on uncomplicated, communication-based issues that may involve minimal or no monetary amounts, and neither process determines whether ethics violations have occurred. Ombuds and mediators cannot handle cases involving apparent law violations, fair housing issues, complex disputes, or matters already involving legal counsel or regulatory investigations.
If informal resolution is unsuccessful, parties retain the right to file formal ethics complaints, seek legal counsel, or contact the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. All communications remain confidential, and Ombuds or mediators involved in a case are precluded from serving in any formal proceedings related to that same complaint.
Common Misunderstandings
“Filing a complaint is hostile.”
It is not. It is a structured professional process created to maintain standards.
“The association does not take action.”
NMAR follows established procedures outlined by NAR to ensure fairness and due process.
“This is just drama between agents.”
No. Ethical standards are directly tied to consumer trust and the reputation of every REALTOR® in our market.
Why This Matters in Northwest Montana
In a market as relationship-driven as ours, reputation travels fast. The actions of one REALTOR® reflect on all of us.
The Code is not about catching people doing something wrong. It is about protecting the professionalism that makes the REALTOR® brand valuable.
If you ever have questions about the process, whether something rises to a Code violation, or how to approach a situation professionally, please reach out to Jeri Moon, NMAR Professional Standards Administrator, to help guide you through the next steps.
Upholding the Code of Ethics protects not only individual REALTORS®, but the reputation of the entire profession.