How to File a Complaint Against a Realtor in Saskatchewan

Buying or selling a home is often the biggest transaction of your life, so it is upsetting when you think your realtor did something wrong. Maybe you were given misleading information, an important matter was not disclosed, or you felt your instructions were ignored. You may not know where to turn.

This article explains, in general terms, how a complaint about a realtor usually works, what to gather and write down, what a complaint can and cannot do for you, and how it differs from suing. Specific procedures, forms and time limits can change, so confirm them with the regulator and a lawyer before you act.

This article covers the law of Saskatchewan.

Complaint versus civil claim

These are two different paths with different goals. A civil claim asks a court to decide whether you suffered a loss and whether someone should pay for it.

A complaint generally does not by itself get you your money back. If you lost money, a lawyer can explain whether a claim makes sense and what deadlines may apply.

Who handles the complaint

Who handles a complaint about a realtor's conduct depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer which office is the right place to start. Before you write anything, find that body's current complaint instructions. They will tell you what it accepts, how to submit, and what information it needs.

If you are unsure whether the person you dealt with is a licensed realtor, or which brokerage they worked for, check this first. It affects where your complaint goes.

What to gather and put in writing

A good complaint is factual, calm and organized. Reviewers can only act on what you can describe and support.

• The realtor's name and brokerage, and your role (buyer or seller)
• A timeline of events with dates, in order
• What was said or promised, who said it, and how (email, text, phone, in person)
• Copies of the listing, offer to purchase, counter-offers, disclosure statements and any representation agreement
• Emails, texts and other messages with the realtor
• What you believe went wrong, and why it mattered to you
• What happened as a result, including any costs or losses
• What you are asking for

Stick to what happened rather than guessing at motives. Keep your own copies of everything. If a lawyer handled your purchase or sale, they may hold useful documents. In a standard offer to purchase template, each party pays their own lawyer, so ask your lawyer what you can obtain from their file.

What outcomes are possible

The outcomes available depend on the regulator's powers and on what it finds. In general, a conduct process looks at the realtor's behaviour and may lead to no action, or to some form of professional consequence. It is not a guarantee of any result, and it is not designed mainly to compensate you.

• You may be asked for more information or to clarify your concerns
• The realtor and brokerage may be asked to respond
• The matter may be closed if the information does not support a conduct concern
• Where concerns are found, professional consequences may follow, depending on the regulator's process

Ask the regulator how long its process usually takes, whether you will be told the outcome, and what happens to information you provide.

What to do next

• Do not sign anything new or release anyone from responsibility until you understand the effect
• Collect your documents and write your timeline while memories are fresh
• Find the regulator's current complaint instructions and any time limits
• Try raising the issue with the brokerage in writing if that feels appropriate, and keep copies
• If you have lost money or the transaction is still open, speak to a lawyer promptly about your options and deadlines

A lawyer can review your documents, tell you whether a complaint, a civil claim or both fit your situation, and help you avoid steps that could hurt a later claim.

Frequently asked questions