Please note: The Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) has implemented an Ethics Citation Policy that allows for the faster, streamlined processing of ethics complaints in a way that is consistent with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual. This manual sets the standard for the ethical behavior of REALTORS®.
Conditions for Inclusion in the Ethics Citation Program: Not all complaints will automatically be handled under this program. Only complaints that meet specific criteria (as defined by the policy) will be processed through this citation program. If your complaint qualifies for this program, you will be notified.
Citation Program Overview:
1. Eligibility for a Citation: Based on the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Sections 19 and 20), the Grievance committee reviews, amends, or dismisses complaints and decides whether they should proceed to a Professional Standards Ethics Hearing. If the complaint is eligible for a citation, it is forwarded to the GAAR Citation Panel, to determine if the complaint allegation(s) would constitute a "citable offense."
2. Citation Process: The Citation Panel may issue a citation, or they may forward a complaint to be heard at an ethics hearing. The citation takes the place of a formal ethics hearing unless otherwise requested by the respondent. The complainant is notified that a citation has been issued and that the respondent will not be made aware of the complainant's identity.
3. Respondent's Right to a Hearing: Upon being issued a citation, the respondent has twenty (20) days from citation notification to reject the citation and request the complaint be heard at an ethics hearing.
4. Complainant's Preference for Anonymity: If the respondent chooses to move forward with a hearing, and the complainant does not want to advance their complaint at an ethics hearing they will have the right to remain anonymous and will not be informed of the case outcome or any final decision that might be made in the matter.
5. Grievance Committee Options: In the event that the respondent requests a hearing in lieu of accepting a citation, and the complainant opts to remain anonymous, the Grievance Committee would review the complaint to see if there is enough evidence for a Hearing Panel to consider and has the option to appoint a Grievance Committee member to act as the complainant at a hearing or the may dismiss the case.
I understand that when filing a complaint, my/our identity will not be kept confidential if it is determined that the complaint does not qualify for the GAAR Ethics Citation Program.