Consumer Protection

The REALTORS® Association of York and Adams Counties offers three options to address consumer complaints. Any of these procedures may be initiated by contacting the RAYAC office at (717) 843-7891.

The function of the Consumer Protection Committee is to have a RAYAC member intercede in a problem between a REALTOR® and a member of the consuming public and attempt to achieve a resolution by agreement of all concerned. There is no cost to the consumer to follow this course of action. However, there is no obligation on the part of anyone to participate in the process. If these efforts prove unproductive, one may elect to proceed to the more formal process of mediation.

The Dispute Resolution System is more commonly referred to as mediation. The REALTORS® Association, in cooperation with selected members of the Bar Association, has established a mediation program for buyers, sellers and others who have been involved in a real estate transaction. Skilled lawyers who are impartial mediators will meet with all parties to attempt to resolve any disputes. This procedure is a contractual obligation established in RAYAC's listing and sales contracts. Any conclusions or results must be by the mutual agreement of all parties involved. Cost for this service is $175.

The Members of the REALTORS® Association of York & Adams Counties, Inc agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REATLORS®. In the code, REALTOR® members pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to clients, customers, the public and other REALTORS®. The penalties for a member's violation of the Code of Ethics are disciplinary in nature and do not include monetary reimbursements to a buyer or seller. This procedure is designed to protect the integrity of the real estate profession. If found guilty, a REALTOR® member could be disciplined, fined or-in extreme cases-be expelled from the association. If you feel there is an alleged violation of the code, you may file an Ethics Complaint.

You will need to print the following items:

1. General Instructions on the Ethics Complaint Process (Click Here)
2. Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS (Click Here)
3. Ethics Complaint Form (Click Here)

Please read all materials carefully. In filing an ethics complaint, the complainant must complete an Ethics Complaint Form and cite which article(s) of NAR's Code of Ethics have been violated and explain why they felt the articles were violated. Supporting documentation relating to the complainant's case i.e. contracts, settlement statement, etc. should also be included in your submission of the Ethics Complaint form.

Type or print your complaint on the proper forms and return the package to:

Professional Standards Administrator
RAYAC
901 Smile Way
York, PA 17404

Upon receipt of your complaint, the Grievance Committee will review and determine if the complaint should be forwarded to a hearing in front of the Professional Standards Committee. Please be aware, if that occurs, your presence will be required at the hearing.