REALTOR® Code of Ethics
As a chartered member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Board is responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. Our REALTOR® members agree to subscribe to the Code in their daily business practices. Click Here to see a copy of the 2020 Code of Ethics.
From time to time, disputes may arise in real estate transactions between REALTOR® and REALTOR® 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 an Ethics violation against a REALTOR® member, please be sure to check out 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. Violations would be filed with the appropriate Board the individual holds membership in.
For information on how to file an ethics violation against a member, please contact our Executive Officer Suzanne Silva (401) 274-8383 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further direction.
For instances of interboard arbitration or ethics matters not able to be processed here, please refer to these Professional Standards Resources from the RI Association of REALTORS®.
Additional resources on the Code of Ethics provided by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Members are required to complete a course on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics as a requirement of membership. Want to complete an online course? We offer 2 options to click on below: 1) The CE Shop logo and select either Course #C006 (Code of Ethics: "Good for your clients and your business") OR Course #C008 (Code of Ethics in Action: "Real-Life Applications."). There is a charge but these courses offer CEU credits. 2) Successfully complete the National Association of REALTORS® online Triennial REALTOR® Code of Ethics Course - you may select either "New Member" (new members taking the course for the first time) or "Existing Member". There is no charge for these options and no CEU's offered.
We are currently in the 6th triennial. Be ready by 12/31/21 with these in-person or online class options.
All REALTOR® members are required to complete a course on the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. Effective 1/1/19, the new triennial cycle begins. That new cycle means members will have to complete this required course between 1/1/19--12/31/21. Members are then required to submit their certificate to the Board office for our review. NEW members are required to complete the course even sooner - within the first 180 days of their membership.
