If you have a commission dispute with a REALTORS® member you are required by Article 17 of the Code of Ethics to have the issue arbitrated at the Association.

You may want to review the CAR Procuring Cause Guidelines Q & A to assist you in the preparation of your complaint.

You must file an arbitration complaint within 180 days from the date the transaction closed, or the facts could have been known with reasonable diligence- whichever is later.

The party that files the complaint is known as the "Complainant"; the party that is filed against is known as the "Respondent".

In order for a Professional Standard panel to review and award on an arbitration (monetary) matter, Arbitration Complaint form (A-1) must be filled out and returned to the Association. In filling out the Arbitration form (A-1), please note the following:
  1. Write in the name(s) of the respondent (the person against whom the complaint is made).You MAY include the name of the Responsible Broker or Participant. IMPORTANT: Read the Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 17-4 prior to naming the Respondents.
  2. Write in your name as the complainant. The Broker you were affiliated with at the time of the disputed transaction must join the complaint as a complainant as the arbitration will not be processed with the salesperson as the sole complainant.
  3. Be sure to submit your check for $500 payable to Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS®. The arbitration will not be processed without the filing fee.
  4. Attach a typed statement of the facts and circumstances supporting the case, this will be marked "Exhibit 1". You may attach supporting documents to the statement.
  5. Mail to: Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS®, 2525 Main Street, Soquel, CA 95073.
  6. It is your responsibility to prepare six copies of all documents and evidence you intend to present at the hearing. Failure to bring copies of the documents you will be presenting as evidence can result in a $50 charge to make copies.
  7. Read the Outline of Procedure included in your package from the Association. This form details the hearing process.
If you have any further questions, please download the Implementation Guidelines - Arbitration pdf document, call Karen Kirwan at 831-464-2000 or .

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