History

RECO is a delegated administrative authority (DAA) under the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act. It was created as a result of the mutual desire of government and the real estate industry to enhance professionalism, increase consumer protection and provide an effective, efficient and responsive regulatory framework.

RECO administers and enforces the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA). The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery is responsible for TRESA and associated regulations, as well as general oversight of RECO.

Here are the key milestones that mark RECO’s continued progress since its inception in 1997 (date ranges align with RECO’s fiscal year).

1997 to 1998

• RECO begins operations.

1998 to 1999

• Key by-laws passed to enable enforcement of a Code of Ethics and establishment of procedures for election of directors.

1999 to 2000

• Implemented Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Process and began enforcing a Code of Ethics in order to address ethical misconduct.
• Launched Mandatory Continuing Education.
• First election of RECO Directors.

2000 to 2001

• Launched insurance program.

2001 to 2002

• “Registrant Search” feature added to the RECO website.

2002 to 2003

• Board of directors approved governance enhancements:
  • Complementary Governance Model distinguished between strategic leadership and operations/management.
  • New Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • New Code of Conduct for Directors.

2003 to 2004

• Introduced courtesy inspection service to assist new brokerages and ensure proper record-keeping procedures from the start.

2004 to 2005

• Launched MyWeb, enabling registrants to pay insurance premiums, change addresses and access registration information online.

2005 to 2006

• Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 came into force, advancing consumer protection and incorporating programs previously under RECO by-laws, such as the Code of Ethics and Complaints Process, the Insurance Program, and the Continuing Education Program.
• Conducted first registrant satisfaction survey.
• Introduced New Public Notice Policy providing the public with increased information related to disciplinary actions.

2007 to 2008

• Launched redesigned website that included dedicated section for consumers.

2009 to 2010

• Introduced online registration renewal via MyWeb.
• Published consumer education brochure in seven languages.

2010 to 2011

• Launched a new website with interactive features.
• Conducted first consumer awareness poll to identify consumer information needs, awareness of RECO and how Ontario consumers get their information about real estate.

2011 to 2012

• Introduced online termination and transfer of employment through MyWeb.
• First consumer outreach ads.

2012 to 2013

• Attended consumer events for the first time.
• Launched the “Ask Joe” column in the Toronto Star.
• Began using dispute resolution as a way to resolve complaints where RECO helps both parties to a complaint reach a satisfactory outcome.

2013 to 2014

• Launched new Mandatory Continuing Education program.
• Shifted RECO’s fiscal year to align to the calendar year.
• Launched MyRECO Certificate app enabling registrants to display their registration certificate on a phone, as an alternative to showing their paper certificate.

2015

• Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act, 2013 proclaimed to enhance transparency in the offer process.
• Launched major registrant consultation and outreach initiative. Feedback resulted in improvements to the complaints process, better customer service and enhanced registrant communications.
• Piloted service to review advertising for compliance before it’s published.

2016

• Introduced enhancements to all three types of insurance coverage.
• Launched improvements to the complaints process, including enhanced communication and transparency.

2017

• Formed Industry Advisory Group. The group has 14 members, including 10 registrants, a consumer representative, a real estate lawyer, a mortgage broker and a home inspector.
• Provided recommendations to government on REBBA reforms. This included recommendations to address conflicts of interest resulting from multiple representation.
• Began work on a new registration education program, after awarding contact to NIIT/Humber.
• Launched Town Hall tour to reach out to industry leaders.

2018

• Created an all-new strategic plan, a bold plan charting RECO’s path to becoming a modern regulator over the next five years.
• Launched a review of RECO’s governance.
• Initiated a comprehensive review of mandatory continuing education in order to identify possible enhancements.
• Implemented an enterprise risk management plan.

2019

• Launched a new pre-registration education program, delivered by Humber College.
• Submitted a detailed list of possible REBBA reforms to the Ontario government.
• Released public report on RECO’s governance.
• Released report on Mandatory Continuing Education, with action plan for enhancements.

2020

• Pivoted to a remote RECO workforce while delivering our mandate in the public interest.
• Revised the first work of our statement from “supporting” to “promoting” to indicate a move to a more active approach.
• Reconstituted the Industry Advisory Group into the Consumer and Industry Advisory Group, adding consumer representatives to broaden the perspectives and advice we are receiving.
• Introduced a number of modernizing activities — including virtual office work, paperless billing, online services — which were already contemplated and underway, but the pandemic accelerated adoption.
• Collaborated with the Ontario Human Rights Commission to create a new elective course, Human Rights Fundamentals, that seeks to promote greater understanding of racism in Canada and how to identify, prevent and address racial discrimination.
• The first full year of operation of the Real Estate Salesperson Program at Humber College.
• Expanded Mandatory Continuing Education elective course offerings by introducing the two-part Compliance and Ethics in Real Estate. We now offer 16 elective courses to choose from, with more to come. The program also received two awards during the year: a Platinum Hermes Creative Award for the Mortgage Financing course and a Brandon Hall Group International Bronze Award for the FINTRAC compliance course.
• The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA) was amended, paving the way to permit further changes that will strengthen consumer protection and professionalism in the real estate sector.

2021

• Launched the new broker program and the post-registration courses of the salesperson program.
• Refreshed corporate values with input from employees across the organization and our board of directors.
• Transitioned to a hybrid work model, identified future office space needs and secured the facilities.
• Launched mandatory online submission for personal applications and online payment processes for all transactions.
• Implemented a standardized response form to help guide registrants and a revised complaint form to support complainants.

2022

• Commemorated RECO’s 25th anniversary (1997-2022).
• Implemented a fee-reduction plan effective March 1, 2023.
• Created a new Learning Management System and a new learning library.
• Increased the coverage limits for consumer deposit and commission protection insurance.
• Launched an educational online consumer quiz.
• Reduced complaint inventory by over 50 per cent.
• Transitioned to paperless registration certificates.
• Received value-for-money audit report from the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario and moved swiftly to implement recommendations directed to RECO, which are expected to be completed by January 2026.

2023

• The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA) was renamed the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA). Phase 2 legislative reforms came into effect, enhancing professionalism and consumer protection.
• Implemented the RECO Information Guide. Registrants must provide the Guide before entering into an agreement with a client and/or providing assistance to a self-represented party.
• Provided quarterly reports on RECO programs in the implementation of the recommendations from the Auditor General’s November 2022 report.