Professional Standards
Code of Ethics
The foundation of REALTOR® professionalism.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics establishes the standards of professional conduct expected of all REALTOR® members. It protects consumers, promotes fairness, and strengthens public trust in the real estate profession.
Members are encouraged to review the Code regularly and uphold its principles in all business practices.
Official document
2026 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice
2026 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Published by the National Association of REALTORS® · Effective January 1, 2026 · PDF
What is the Code of Ethics?
A commitment that sets REALTORS® apart
The Code of Ethics was first adopted in 1913 — long before most other professions had formal ethical guidelines. It reflects the REALTOR® commitment to serving clients and the public with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Unlike real estate licensees in general, REALTORS® are held to this higher standard as a condition of membership. Violations can result in disciplinary action, including fines, education requirements, or loss of membership.
The Code is organized into three broad duties — to clients and customers, to the public, and to other REALTORS® — and is enforced through a formal professional standards process.
“Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization.”
— Preamble to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
By the numbers
1913
Year first adopted
17
Articles in the Code
3yr
Training cycle
Structure of the Code
Three duties. Seventeen articles.
The Code of Ethics is organized around three core duties, each covering a distinct set of professional obligations.
Duties to Clients & Customers
Articles 1–9 govern how REALTORS® must conduct themselves when working with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
- Promote clients’ interests while treating all parties honestly
- Disclose all relevant facts and conflicts of interest
- Avoid misrepresentation of properties or market conditions
- Handle funds and deposits with care and accountability
- Maintain competence in their area of practice
Duties to the Public
Articles 10–14 address how REALTORS® interact with the broader public and uphold standards that go beyond individual transactions.
- No discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin
- Truthful advertising and honest representation
- Cooperation with regulatory and investigative processes
- Do not engage in unauthorized practice of law
- Uphold fair housing laws and principles
Duties to REALTORS®
Articles 15–17 establish standards for how REALTORS® treat each other and conduct themselves within the profession.
- No false or misleading statements about other REALTORS®
- Respect for exclusive representation agreements
- Commitment to mediation and arbitration over litigation
- Cooperation in professional standards proceedings
- Honest and respectful dealings with peers
The 17 Articles
A quick reference guide
1
Client Promotion & Honest Treatment
Promote clients’ interests and treat all parties honestly.
2
No Misrepresentation
Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of facts.
3
Cooperation with Other Brokers
Cooperate with other brokers except when not in the client’s best interest.
4
Disclosure of Personal Interest
Disclose any personal interest when buying or selling property.
5
Disclosure in Unsolicited Services
Disclose REALTOR® status when providing unsolicited services or opinions.
6
Disclosure of Compensation
Disclose any fees or compensation received from third parties.
7
Dual Compensation
Accept compensation from multiple parties only with full disclosure and consent.
8
Fiduciary Funds
Handle client funds and property with strict care and accountability.
9
Written Agreements
Ensure all agreements are in writing and copies are provided to all parties.
10
No Discrimination
Provide equal service regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.
11
Competence
Be competent in your field and disclose any limitations in expertise.
12
Truthful Advertising
Represent properties and services truthfully in all advertising and marketing.
13
No Unauthorized Law Practice
Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
14
Cooperation with Investigations
Cooperate with ethics investigations and professional standards proceedings.
15
No False Statements About Others
Do not make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals.
16
Respect Exclusive Agreements
Do not interfere with another REALTOR®’s exclusive representation or listing agreements.
17
Arbitration & Mediation
Resolve disputes through arbitration or mediation rather than litigation when possible.
This is a summary reference only. For the full text of each article and its Standards of Practice, refer to the official 2026 Code of Ethics document above.
Ethics training
Staying current on the Code
All REALTOR® members are required to complete Code of Ethics training on a regular cycle. Here’s what you need to know.
3-Year Training Cycle
Ethics training must be completed every three years. The current cycle runs through December 31, 2027. New members must complete training within one year of joining.
Free Courses Available
NAR offers free Code of Ethics training courses for all members, available online. Tennessee REALTORS® also provides CE-accredited courses through TREEF.
Fair Housing Requirement
REALTORS® are also required to complete Fair Housing training every three years, coinciding with the Code of Ethics training cycle.
Track Your Status
You can check your Code of Ethics training completion status through your NAR online account at nar.realtor/my-account.
Questions?
Need help with the Code of Ethics?
UCAR staff can help point you toward training resources, answer questions about the professional standards process, or connect you with the right support.
Contact UCAR Staff → ⬇ Download the 2026 Code