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Regulatory Support

Your licence.
Your reputation.
Defended.

Property Counsel represents Ontario real estate agents and brokerages before RECO, TRREB, OREA, and the License Appeal Tribunal. We know the regulatory framework — and we know how to navigate it.

Regulatory complaints move fast. Your response needs to be faster.

We provide experienced representation from the moment a complaint is filed to final resolution.

Who We Appear Before

The regulatory bodies that govern your licence.

Property Counsel provides representation before each of Ontario’s primary real estate regulatory authorities. Understanding which body has jurisdiction — and how each process works — is essential to an effective defence.

Regulator

Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)

RECO regulates all registered real estate professionals in Ontario under TRESA. Complaints can result in disciplinary proceedings, fines, conditions on your registration, or revocation.

Discipline Committee proceedings

Appeals Committee representation

Complaint response and investigation support

TRESA compliance guidance

Registration conditions and renewals

Industry Board

Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)

TRREB’s professional standards process governs conduct between member agents and brokerages. Arbitration and ethics proceedings can affect your membership and professional standing.

Arbitration & Professional Standards proceedings

Residential and Commercial Division matters

Complaint Review and Hearing Appeals

Commission disputes and member conduct

Provincial Association

Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)

OREA’s Arbitration and Ethics Committee handles professional conduct matters between members. We provide representation before these bodies to protect your standing and professional reputation.

Arbitration Committee representation

Ethics Committee proceedings

Member conduct and dispute resolution

Common Issues

Why agents and brokerages face regulatory proceedings.

Regulatory complaints arise in many contexts. The following are among the most frequently encountered issues we defend — though every matter is unique.

Misrepresentation

Allegations that inaccurate information was provided about a property’s condition, history, or features — whether intentional or not.

Failure to Disclose

Complaints arising from a failure to disclose material facts, including property defects, latent issues, or relevant zoning changes.

Negligence or Errors in Judgment

Allegations of insufficient diligence — missed deadlines, failure to advise clients appropriately, or inadequate supervision of registrants.

Advertising Non-Compliance

Regulatory action arising from misleading marketing materials, missing required disclosures, or advertising that violates RECO or TRREB standards.

Trust Account Irregularities

Improper disbursement from trust accounts can result in significant fines, audits, and potential loss of registration. Immediate legal counsel is essential.

Inadequate Record Keeping

Failure to maintain complete records of transactions, communications, and agreements — a common source of compliance findings during RECO inspections.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Allegations that an agent failed to act in a client’s best interests, including undisclosed conflicts of interest or prioritizing personal gain over client outcomes.

Conflict of Interest — Failure to Disclose

Multiple representation situations and other conflicts must be properly disclosed under TRESA. Failure to do so is one of the most frequently cited grounds for RECO complaints.

Code of Ethics Violations

Complaints under the RECO and TRREB Codes of Ethics, including alleged failures of honesty, integrity, or transparency in dealings with clients or other registrants.

TRESA Non-Compliance

Violations of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act can result in penalties including fines or loss of registration. We advise on compliance and defend against alleged contraventions.

RECO Inspection Findings

Responding to findings from RECO compliance inspections requires prompt, structured action. We assist in preparing responses and implementing corrective measures.

Inter-Registrant Disputes

Conflicts between agents or between agents and their brokerages — including commission disputes and conduct complaints — handled through the appropriate regulatory channel.

What We Do

Representation at every stage of the process.

From initial complaint response through to hearings and appeals, Property Counsel provides representation at every stage of Ontario’s real estate regulatory process.

Defence

Complaint Defence & Regulatory Representation

From the moment a complaint is filed, we work to understand the full picture and construct a clear, well-documented response. Regulatory decision-makers must understand your version of events — we make sure they do. We represent clients through investigations, hearings, and appeals before RECO, TRREB, and OREA.

Compliance

TRESA & Regulatory Compliance Guidance

Ontario’s regulatory framework for real estate professionals has evolved significantly with TRESA. We advise agents and brokerages on their obligations under current legislation — before a complaint arises, not after.

Negotiation

Mediation & Settlement

Where resolution is possible, we engage directly with regulatory authorities to negotiate outcomes that protect your registration and minimize disruption to your practice. Not every complaint requires a full hearing — we assess every available option.

Litigation

Commission Disputes

We represent registrants in commission disputes not covered by RECO-mandated insurance, including matters before TRREB’s arbitration panel and in court where required.

Tribunal

License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) Representation

The License Appeal Tribunal handles appeals of RECO Discipline and Appeals Committee decisions, as well as provincial offence proceedings under TRESA. We represent clients before the LAT in:

License Appeal Tribunal

Appeals and provincial offence proceedings before the LAT

The LAT has jurisdiction to hear appeals from registrants who have been subject to adverse decisions by RECO’s internal adjudicative bodies, as well as proceedings brought under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002.

Appeals of RECO Discipline Committee decisions

Appeals of RECO Appeals Committee decisions

Defence against provincial offences under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002

The Property Counsel Standard

Real estate law, only

We don’t divide our attention. Regulatory matters in real estate are all we do.

Direct access to your lawyer

No handoffs. The lawyer you speak to is the lawyer handling your file.

Transparent pricing

We discuss fees before we start. No surprises at the end of the file.

Available across Ontario

We appear before regulatory bodies province-wide and conduct consultations remotely.

Facing a complaint?
Let’s talk.

Book a Consultation

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, contact Property Counsel or your own legal counsel. Property Counsel makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided. Content reflects the law as of its publication date and may not reflect subsequent legal developments.