Professional Standards
File a Complaint
Professional standards matter.
UCAR takes professionalism and ethical conduct seriously. If you believe a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics or professional standards, this page provides guidance on how to file a formal complaint.
All complaints are handled through established procedures to ensure fairness, confidentiality, and due process.
How the process works
What to expect when you file a complaint
Filing a complaint initiates a formal review process. Here’s a general overview of what happens:
Submit your complaint
File your complaint through the appropriate body — either Tennessee REALTORS® for Code of Ethics violations or the Tennessee Real Estate Commission for licensing matters.
Review & acknowledgment
The complaint is reviewed to determine whether it falls within the jurisdiction and meets the requirements to move forward as a formal grievance.
Hearing & resolution
If the complaint proceeds, a hearing panel reviews the case, hears from all parties, and determines the appropriate outcome in accordance with established policies.
Where to file
Choose the right pathway for your complaint
There are two separate bodies that handle real estate complaints in Tennessee. It’s important to file with the right one depending on the nature of your concern.
Tennessee REALTORS®
Ethics Complaint
For violations of the NAR Code of Ethics
If your complaint involves a REALTOR® and relates to how they conducted themselves professionally — including honesty, fairness, disclosure, or how they treated you during a transaction — this is the appropriate pathway.
File here when the complaint involves:
- ✓ Misrepresentation or failure to disclose material facts
- ✓ Unfair or unethical conduct during a transaction
- ✓ Violations of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
- ✓ Disputes between REALTORS® over professional conduct
Tennessee Real Estate Commission
(TREC) Complaint
For licensing and regulatory violations
If your complaint involves a potential violation of Tennessee real estate law or conduct that may warrant disciplinary action against a licensee’s license — regardless of whether they are a REALTOR® — this is the appropriate pathway.
File here when the complaint involves:
- ✓ Fraud, misrepresentation, or illegal conduct
- ✓ Violation of Tennessee real estate law or rules
- ✓ Mishandling of escrow or trust funds
- ✓ Conduct by any licensed real estate professional
Confidentiality & Due Process
All complaints filed through UCAR, Tennessee REALTORS®, or TREC are handled with confidentiality and in accordance with established professional standards procedures. All parties involved are afforded the opportunity to be heard and to respond. The process is designed to be fair, impartial, and consistent with NAR guidelines and Tennessee law.
Need guidance?
Not sure where to start?
If you have questions about the complaint process or aren’t sure which pathway applies to your situation, UCAR staff can help point you in the right direction.
Contact UCAR Staff →