The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 27 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Recently, RMLS implemented a rule that prohibits numbers (either dollar amounts or percentages) from being attached to concessions, incentives, credits, and bonuses (or any similar promotional item) in the Remarks fields. We want to take a moment to clarify some of the considerations informing this decision.
The real estate industry continues to face intense scrutiny. Though the NAR-negotiated settlement provided a framework and direction for MLSs to continue to serve REALTOR® business needs, the legal protections provided by the settlement (which are still awaiting final approval from the courts) are contingent upon full compliance from participating MLSs and their subscribers. MLSs have worked diligently to adjust to this new framework, despite many uncertainties involved, while providing guidance to subscribers while we collectively figure out a path forward for all involved. New hazards to compliance have arisen though in the wake of process and rule changes.
Since the settlement on August 13, 2024, there have been reports of potential ‘workarounds’ being used by MLS participants across the country. We’ve also seen similar attempts. These workarounds constitute a violation of the terms of the settlement and thus pose a risk to the legal protections provided by it. Given the current landscape, it’s essential for all of us to remain mindful of the heightened attention on industry practices, and the associated risks that follow.
RMLS is committed to full and active participation in this settlement. Our goal is to demonstrate our dedication to the settlement terms through concrete changes and enforcement. For the long-term good of all involved, we ask our subscribers to join us in this goal, which includes discontinuing any attempts to communicate commissions or compensation. If you have questions, please always feel free to contact us.
FORMAL VIOLATIONS
The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee reviews all formal complaints which allege a violation of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. The committee has the power to impose sanctions.
The committee reviewed one cases (Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox) in September 2024, resulting in fine of $1,500 that is currently being contested.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
The chart below shows violations that generated at least 15 instances in the past month. Some notable gains and decreases are noted below.
- HUD fell to 32 from 172
- Personal Promotion fell to 130 from 170
- Unauthorized Text in Photo fell to 26 from 74
- Duplicate Listing Sold in Diff. Categories fell to 0 from 47
- Incorrect Status rose from 9 to 17
- First Photo Not Exterior of Home rose from 7 to 26
Data Accuracy Department Statistics
The gain or loss comparison displayed in the parenthesis is versus the previous month.
- Listings Reviewed: 21,797 (-1,768)
- Notices Sent: 2,295 (+672)
- Violation Notices Received: 326 (-125)
- Courtesy Notices Sent: 1,804 (+689)
- Phone Calls Received: 448 (-125)
How to Report Violations
Subscribers have multiple options to report violations, including a Report Issue button on every RMLSweb listing. Subscribers can email our Data Accuracy team at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or call them at 503.395.1916. When there are increases in specific violation types, we sometimes place notifications on RMLSweb.