Complaints Overview

The Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission is responsible for setting standards of practice for the real estate industry. This role serves both the industry and the public: in order to create consumer confidence and trust in the industry it is essential to limit unethical, incompetent, and illegal practices.

What is the Commission’s role in handling complaints?

The Commission sets standards of business practice that Industry Members must follow. Industry members include real estate brokers, associate brokers, managing associate Member brokers, and salespeople (who help sell and market residential, rural, commercial and industrial properties).

What should I do before filing a complaint?

Before filing a complaint, there are several steps you should do to ensure your complaint is as accurate and thorough as possible. Click on this article to learn more.

I have done my research, now how do I file a complaint?

After you have determined that you have a valid complaint, use the guidelines in this section to help complete and submit your complaint.

Does the Commission accept anonymous complaints?

No. The Commission will not proceed with a complaint unless it receives sufficient information to determine if the matter should be investigated. Often, the complainant is an important witness and without their cooperation, the Commission will not be able to make that determination.

What happens after I file a complaint?

After you file a complaint, the Commission will notify you in writing that your complaint has been received and is being reviewed.

Will the Commission contact me during the complaint evaluation? Can I call them? Will it be recorded?

The Commission will notify you in writing that your complaint has been received and may contact you during the evaluation for further information related to your complaint.

How are complaints evaluated?

The evaluation of a complaint may include some preliminary gathering of evidence and statements that will help the Commission make a decision on how to handle the complaint. You may be contacted by the Commission during this process. Complaint evaluations can take time because the Commission must ensure proper legal processes are followed and information has to be gathered, often from several sources

What happens when the complaint evaluation is complete?

Once the evaluation is complete, you will be advised in writing regarding whether an investigation file will be opened. An investigation file is not likely to be opened when:

Other common questions

A list of commonly asked questions about the complaint process.