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File a Complaint

File a Complaint

Please remember, ADRE staff is unable to provide legal advice.

FILING A COMPLAINT WITH ADRE

  • After reviewing the information below to confirm whether ADRE is authorized to investigate your complaint,
  • Click the link at the end of this page to attach and submit the completed form via the ADRE Message Center.

What does the ADRE investigate?

  • The Department investigates violations of Arizona Real Estate Statutes and Commissioner’s Rules by licensed real estate brokers and salespersons.

What does the ADRE not investigate?

  • LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES - Contact your local government for assistance. City and County listings, click here: www.az.gov
  • HOME INSPECTORS – Contact the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration, click here:  https://btr.az.gov/
  • CONTRACT ISSUES – These are civil matters, it may be in your best interest to seek professional assistance by contacting a Real Estate Attorney.
  • CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTORS – Contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, click here: www.roc.az.gov
  • ETHICS VIOLATIONS – Ethical issues are not necessarily illegal.  For Ethical issues contact the Arizona Association of Realtors®, click here:  www.aaronline.com
  • HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (HOA) – The ADRE administers the HOA Dispute Process only.  Click the "File an HOA Dispute" under the Consumers page for more information. Legal advice may be necessary. For attorney assistance contact the Arizona Bar Association’s AZ Law Help at www.azbar.org
  • CC&R VIOLATIONS – Review the information on the HOA Dispute Process on the Consumers page. Violations of CC&Rs are civil and may require civil action; contact your HOA or legal counsel. 
  • LOAN, INTEREST RATE, ESCROW ISSUES – Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, click here: https://difi.az.gov 
  • TITLE INSURANCE ISSUES – Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, click here: https://difi.az.gov
  • HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE – Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, click here: https://difi.az.gov
  • ESCROW MONEY ISSUES - Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, click here: https://difi.az.gov
  • COMMISSION ISSUES WITH BROKER/LICENSEES – Contact the Designated Broker of the Brokerage.
  • CRIMINAL ACTIONS (trespassing, assault, theft, etc.) – Contact your local law enforcement agency.
  • REPORT UNWANTED/PHISHING CALLS:  Contact the Federal Trade Commission to register on the Do Not Call List https://www.donotcall.gov/ or the Arizona Attorney General
    https://www.azag.gov/consumer/telemarketing to file a complaint. 
  • CEMETERY AND INTERMENT ISSUES - Review the information on ADRE's Informational Brochure.  Violations beyond the Department's jurisdiction, may be civil matters, able to be handled at the municipal level, or may exist under the jurisdiction of the AZ Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

 

Complete the ADRE Complaint form here, then submit the form and your complaint here.

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPLAINT PROCESS AND INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS AND LICENSEES, click here.

Questions?

Review our frequently asked questions about the investigations process and more.

VIEW THE FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Department of Real Estate investigate?

The Department investigates violations of Arizona real estate law and Commissioner’s rules by licensed real estate brokers and salespersons, developers of subdivisions, membership campgrounds, timeshares, private cemeteries, and unlicensed real estate activity.

What does the Department NOT investigate?

The Department of Real Estate does not have the authority to investigate:

  • Landlord/Tenant Disputes – Most local jurisdictions (City or County) have a department that is responsible for these complaints. Please contact your local government for assistance. | For City and County listings, click here: www.az.gov
  • Home Inspectors – Contact the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration, click here to contact them: www.btr.az.gov
  • Contract Issues – These are civil matters, it may be in your best interest to seek professional assistance by contacting a real estate attorney.
  • Construction/Contractors – Construction defects are addressed by the AZROC. Contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, click here to contact them: www.azroc.gov
  • Ethics Violations – Ethical issues are not necessarily illegal. For ethical issues contact the Arizona Association of Realtors®, click here: www.aaronline.com
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) violations – The ADRE administers the HOA Dispute Process. Click the "HOA Dispute Process" button on the Department's homepage for information. You may wish to seek legal advice. For attorney assistance, contact the Arizona Bar Association's AZ Law Help, click here to contact them: www.azlawhelp.org
  • CC&R Violations – Review information on the HOA Dispute Process on the ADRE homepage. Violations of CC&Rs are civil and may require civil action; contact your HOA or legal counsel. Visit www.azbar.org to find an attorney in Arizona.
  • Loan, Interest Rate, or Escrow Issues – The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions regulates Escrow and Mortgage institutions in Arizona. Click here to contact them: www.azdfi.gov
  • Title Insurance Issues – The Arizona Department of Insurance regulates Title Insurance institutions and transactions in Arizona. Click here to contact them: insurance.az.gov
  • Homeowner's Insurance – The Arizona Department of Insurance regulates Homeowner's Insurance institutions in Arizona. Click here to contact them: insurance.az.gov
  • Escrow Money Issues - For the holding or improper payment of escrow money by escrow/title companies, contact The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions at www.azdfi.gov
  • Commission Disputes with Broker/Licensees – These are civil disputes. You may wish to seek legal counsel or the Designated Broker of the Brokerage. Visit www.azbar.org to find an attorney in Arizona.
  • Criminal Actions (trespassing, assault, theft, etc.) – Contact your local law enforcement agency.
What if the Arizona real estate licensee has acted unethically?

Not all improper actions are illegal, however they may be unethical.  If you believe a licensee acted or is acting in an unethical manner, you may wish to file a complaint with the Arizona Association of REALTORS® at: www.aaronline.com.

How do I file a complaint with the Department of Real Estate?

To begin an investigation, the Department must determine two things:

  • That the complaint or information relates to possible violations of Arizona real estate statutes or rules.
  • That the individuals and/or entities involved are under the Department's jurisdiction.

A.R.S. § 32-2108 requires complaints filed with the Department be in writing and signed by the complainant. The complaint must allege conduct that violates Arizona real estate laws or rules.

If you file a complaint, include:

  • Your full name and address, and that of each individual or entity against whom the complaint is made (the "respondent").
  • A clear and concise statement, in detail, describing the facts surrounding the incident(s), including:
    • The time and place of occurrences;
    • Who was involved or present;
    • What activities occurred which you believe to be illegal;
    • The names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
  • Legible copies of all transaction documents and related correspondence (contracts, closing documents, letters, memos, etc.).
  • Any other relevant information.

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