About RECO’s complaints process
Throughout this overview, the term “real estate agent” will be used when referring to registered brokerages, brokers and salespersons.
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) established the complaints process to ensure fair and flexible handling of complaints about the conduct of real estate agents and those holding themselves out as such.
With few exceptions, anyone trading in real estate in Ontario must be registered with RECO. Real estate agents in Ontario are accountable for their conduct and competence. Our complaints process provides a way to bring concerns to our attention about those trading in real estate.
Click to see RECO’s regulatory process at-a-glance
Q: What types of complaints can RECO address?
RECO addresses inquiries, concerns and complaints about the conduct of real estate agents, or those holding themselves out as such, involved in any real estate transaction. RECO enforces the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), which promotes, among other things, transparency, honesty, integrity and fairness in real estate transactions. Real estate professionals must provide competent and conscientious service.
Q: Are there limitations to what RECO can do under the law?
Under REBBA, RECO’s authority is focused on regulating the conduct of those required to be registered as real estate agents. We do not have the authority to:
-
- Address what a buyer or seller says or does.
- Award compensation or damages to complainants. That is, RECO cannot force the real estate agent to pay you money. RECO also cannot cancel a contract you have signed. Such concerns should be directed to the brokerage’s manager. These are matters you may wish to discuss with a lawyer.
RECO recommends that you NOT delay seeking independent legal advice, to avoid overlooking or missing a limitation period.
Q: How long will the complaints process take?
There is no fixed time period for the complaints process. Because every complaint is unique, some complaints require significant investigation and complaint volumes can vary. The steps taken to review and investigate your complaint will vary too, depending on the nature of the complaint and the information available to RECO. It is RECO’s intention to deal with all complaints in a timely and thorough manner.
Information about filing a complaint
Information about being the subject of a complaint
