WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: File a complaint - Real estate brokers and firms

File a complaint: Real estate

How to file a complaint

1. Complete a Real Estate Programs Complaint.


2. Attach all of the following:
   
   
   • A detailed explanation of your complaint, including dates, other parties involved, and a summary of any efforts you’ve already made to resolve the problem. Describe events in the order they occurred.
   
   
   • Copies of all documents that relate to the complaint.
   
   
   
   


3. Submit the completed form and supporting documents:
   
   
   • By fax: 360.586.0998
   
   
   • By mail:
     
     
     
   
   

Department of Licensing

Olympia WA 98507–9015

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What happens after you submit your complaint

1. We determine if the complaint falls within our legal authority.
   
   
   • If it isn’t covered by our laws, we’ll notify you.
   
   
   • If it appears to fall within our authority, we may conduct an investigation. Our investigator will act as an impartial, fact–finding third party. During the investigation, they aren’t representing you, us, or the service provider. The investigator may contact the person you filed your complaint against to ask for a response, and may give them a copy of your complaint. The length of time an investigation takes depends on current caseload and the complexity of the case.
   
   
   
   


2. After all the facts have been gathered, we evaluate the information.
   
   
   • If the evidence doesn’t show a violation of the laws, we’ll dismiss the case.
   
   
   • If a violation has occurred, we may recommend a disciplinary action, such as a reprimand, fine, or license suspension.
   
   
   
   


3. The person you filed the complaint against may request a hearing to dispute the decision.


4. We’ll notify you of the outcome of your complaint.

Note: Our decisions don’t constitute legal opinion. We don’t have the authority to recover funds, award damages, or make judicial determinations. To pursue these types of remedies, seek legal advice.

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Filing a Complaint

About the Complaint Process

Investigations are made by the Bureau of Real Estate's Enforcement Section on the basis of written complaints received from the public. To initiate an investigation, the CalBRE must determine two things:

1. That the individuals or companies involved are under the CalBRE's jurisdiction. The Department has jurisdiction over real estate licensees, subdividers and unlicensed persons who have performed acts which require a real estate license. See Real Estate License Look-Up to find out if an individual or company is licensed by the CalBRE.

That the complaint relates to possible violations of the Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law .

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What We Can Do

We investigate complaints against real estate brokers and salespersons accused of misleading or defrauding consumers. If we can prove a violation of the Real Estate Licensing Law, a formal hearing may be held which could result in the revocation or suspension of the agent's license.

We investigate complaints against subdividers accused of violating subdivision laws. If we can prove a violation, further sales may be stopped until such time as the violations are corrected.

We may be able to facilitate resolution of your dispute or issue. In some instances consumers may obtain assistance from the Bureau’s Complaint Resolution Program to resolve simple complaints involving real estate licensees. For more information see the Complaint Resolution Program page.

What We Cannot Do

We cannot act as a court of law, so we cannot order that monies be refunded, contracts be canceled, damages be awarded, etc. If you have this type of problem, you should consult an attorney.

We cannot give legal advice or act as your attorney.

How to File a Complaint

Review and complete the Licensee/Subdivider Complaint Information and Form RE 519 .

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You may also file a complaint to the CalBRE using the Enforcement Online Complaint System.

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When Completing the Complaint Form

Provide a written explanation of the exact nature of your complaint. Summarize your complaint in a chronological manner using these guidelines:

1. Tell us what happened. Start from the beginning and describe the events as they occurred. Be specific as to what was said and who said it.

Tell us who was present during these conversations or acts.

Tell us when and where these conversations/acts took place.

Provide names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the events described in your complaint.

Provide photocopies of all documents involved in your transaction. Documentary evidence is especially important! To expedite the handling of your complaint, you should provide legible photocopies of all documents relating to your transaction such as listings, offers, deposit receipts, notes and trust deeds, correspondence, legible copies of the front and back of checks involved, escrow documents, advertising, etc., and attach them to the written complaint. If you are unable to submit photocopies, you may submit the originals which will be copied and returned to you.

Submitting the Complaint Form - For Complaints Statewide

Mail or hand deliver your completed complaint form and attachments to:В Bureau of Real Estate,Complaint Intake Unit (CIU), 320 West 4th Street, Ste 350, Los Angeles, CAВ 90013-1105.

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Real estate agent complaints

Division of Real Estate

The Division of Real Estate administers the provisions of Chapter 475, Florida Statutes, relating to real estate sales associates, brokers, and real estate appraisers who hold Florida real estate and/or appraisal licenses. The enforcement process begins at the inspection/audit level when periodic and routine reviews of business and office activities determine compliance with Florida law. Real Estate investigators are authorized to issue notices of noncompliance or citations with fines if minor violations are discovered. Other violations are documented for evaluation and possible prosecution.

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The Bureau of Enforcement ensures compliance with the provisions of the law and attendant administrative rules by conducting investigations to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate the provisions of the law. These investigations are initiated as a result of inspections, audits, consumer complaints, and inquiries, or upon the recommendation of the Florida Real Estate Commission or the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board. Inspections, audits, and investigations are conducted from ten (10) regional offices throughout the state.

All complaints must be submitted in writing to:

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Attention: Consumer Complaints Section

DBPR - Division of Real Estate

400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801

Orlando, FL 32801-1757

The complaint should clearly identify the subject of the complaint and the allegations. Copies of all pertinent documents concerning the allegation must be included with the complaint (i.e. contracts, closing documents, disclosures, checks front and back, etc.). If the complaint is opened for investigation, the subject will be made aware of the allegations, provided with a copy of the complaint that initiated the investigation, and requested to respond to the allegations; unless the nature of the complaint merits a confidential investigation. Please use form RE-2200-1, the Uniform Complaint Form.

Please send only one copy of your complaint. Sending duplicates could cause a delay in the processing of your complaint. More information can be found under FAQs.

Pursuant to Chapter 455, Florida Statutes, the complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation is confidential until 10 days after probable cause is found to exist. Investigations differ in complexity and duration, so providing a definite time of completion is not possible. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

The Bureau of Unlicensed Activity is responsible for coordinating unlicensed activity stings and sweeps through the Regional Program Administrators, as well as providing information to consumers and other regulators regarding the dangers of using unlicensed individuals. Please use form RE-2200-1, the Uniform Complaint Form.

Toll-free Complaint Line

Please see our Chapter 455 page to determine if you are affected by this change.

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