Investigations

What is a Game of Chance? Are they legal?

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?

Abandonment of Office (A.R.S. § 32-2126 (A))

Sale of Manufactured Homes/Trailers

Referral or Finder’s Fees

Marketing the Property on an Active Listing Agreement

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.

More questions?

Review our frequently asked questions about the process and more.

VIEW THE FAQ

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