Regulated Professions
Lawyers for Real Estate Agents & Brokers Toronto
Real Estate Litigation Lawyers Toronto
Facing a RECO complaint, inspection issue, or a registration problem? Greenwood Law represents salespersons, brokers, and brokerages in Toronto and across Ontario in regulatory defence, compliance, and litigation. We help you respond to RECO under Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA) and its Code of Ethics, manage discipline hearings, and handle Registrar proposals and appeals to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
Experienced Lawyers for Real Estate Professionals in Toronto
We guide registrants through complaints, inspections, discipline, and registration (licensing) issues, so you can maintain business continuity while addressing risk. Our team knows how RECO investigates, when files move to Discipline Committee, and how/when to challenge Registrar proposals before the LAT.
Common Regulatory & Legal Issues for Real Estate Agents/Brokers in Ontario
- RECO Complaints & Investigations (conduct, advertising, disclosure, multiple representation, deposits/handling of trust funds, etc.).
- Discipline Proceedings before RECO’s Discipline Committee for alleged breaches of TRESA/Code of Ethics. Decisions are public and searchable.
- Registrar’s Proposals (refuse/revoke/suspend or impose conditions on a registration) and appeals to the LAT (15-day window from service of the notice).
- Brokerage Inspections/Compliance (RECO conducts inspections; recent implementation plans follow Auditor General recommendations).
- Civil/Commercial Disputes (commission/fee disputes, contract issues, restrictive covenant or team/franchise conflicts).
Defence in RECO Discipline Proceedings
If a matter proceeds to a Discipline Committee hearing, witnesses may be called and cross-examined, evidence filed, and submissions made; written decisions (including penalties) are then published by RECO.
Potential outcomes include education requirements and fines; maximum fines under TRESA are up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for brokerages.
Registration Problems: Registrar’s Proposals & LAT Appeals
The Registrar may propose to refuse, revoke, suspend, or place conditions on a registration. If not appealed within 15 days, the proposal takes effect. Appeals are heard by the LAT, which can confirm, vary, or substitute its decision.
Brokerage Inspections & Compliance
RECO inspects brokerages on a scheduled basis to monitor compliance (trust accounts, record-keeping, disclosures, advertising, etc.). RECO has published action plans to strengthen inspections following the Auditor General’s recommendations, useful context when preparing for or responding to an inspection.
What Is Included in Our Legal Services for Agents, Brokers & Brokerages
- Complaint/Investigation Response: Drafting responses, managing document production, and addressing compliance concerns early.
- Discipline Hearing Defence: Hearing strategy, evidence, witness prep, submissions, and post-decision guidance.
- Registration (Licensing) Advocacy: Responding to Registrar’s proposals and LAT appeals within statutory timelines.
- Brokerage Inspection Support: Pre-inspection readiness, responding to findings, and implementing corrective action plans.
- Civil/Commercial Dispute Resolution: Commission and contract disputes, team/franchise issues, and related litigation.
Why Investing in Specialized Legal Support Makes Sense
- Protect Registration & Manage Penalties: Early, accurate responses can reduce escalation and help avoid severe sanctions.
- Navigate TRESA & the Code with Confidence: We align your strategy with Ontario’s TRESA/Code of Ethics requirements.
- Plan for Appeals: Preserve rights and timelines for LAT appeals following Registrar proposals.
- Safeguard Reputation in a Public Regime: Discipline decisions are published, measured, discreet handling matters.
Hear From Our Clients
Protecting Your Practice, Preserving Your Reputation
We protect professionals and organizations across Toronto and Ontario, providing strategic legal guidance to safeguard your reputation and business continuity.
Table of Contents
Hear From Our Clients
Protecting Your Practice, Preserving Your Reputation
We protect professionals and organizations across Toronto and Ontario, providing strategic legal guidance to safeguard your reputation and business continuity.
Why Choose Greenwood Law
When scrutiny intensifies, complaint, inspection, or proposal, you need defence counsel that understands Ontario’s real estate regulation and how these processes actually work. We blend regulatory fluency with practical litigation skills to protect your registration, keep your business operating, and guard your reputation in Toronto and across Ontario.
Niche Expertise in Real Estate Regulation
Focused help with RECO complaints/discipline, TRESA/Code compliance, brokerage inspections, and LAT appeals so your responses match how the regulator and tribunal operate.
Strategic, Results-Focused Advocacy
From early submissions and negotiated resolutions to hearings, mediation, or court, our goal is to minimize exposure while keeping your practice moving.
Full-Lifecycle Representation
Complaints → Investigations → Discipline Hearings → Registrar’s Proposals & LAT Appeals, plus civil/commercial disputes where issues extend beyond regulation.
Discreet, Reputation-Focused Defence
We manage sensitive matters with confidentiality and clear communication, vital in a regime where decisions are published and reputational stakes are high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates real estate agents and brokerages in Ontario?
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) administers TRESA and the Code of Ethics, regulating registrants’ conduct and brokerage operations.
What happens after a RECO complaint is filed?
RECO investigates complaints and may close the file, issue compliance measures, or refer matters to Discipline; separate from discipline, the Registrar can issue proposals affecting registration.
What penalties can the Discipline Committee impose?
Outcomes can include education requirements and fines; statutory maximum fines are up to $50,000 (individuals) and $100,000 (brokerages).
Can I appeal a Registrar’s proposal (e.g., to suspend or revoke registration)?
Yes. You typically have 15 days from service of the notice to appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which can confirm or vary the outcome.
Are discipline hearings public and are decisions published?
RECO publishes discipline and appeal decisions on its website; publication is part of the transparency regime.
What should my brokerage expect during a RECO inspection?
RECO schedules inspections and monitors completion; recent public action plans emphasize enhancing inspection processes, preparation and prompt remediation are key.
Speak with a Lawyer for Real Estate Agents & Brokers in Toronto
If you’re facing a RECO complaint, inspection findings, a discipline hearing, or a Registrar proposal, Greenwood Law is ready to help.
Areas We Serve
At Greenwood Law, we proudly serve clients across Ontario & throughout Canada, including:
