If you have a complaint about a real estate transaction that was handled for you by a real estate salesperson, your first course of action should be to contact the salesperson and attempt to resolve the issue. If you are not able to resolve the issue with the salesperson, contact the salesperson's employing broker-manager.
1. When discussing a complaint with your salesperson or the brokerage firm it would be helpful to have the following information readily available:
- salesperson's name
- address of the property involved
- copies of relevant documents such as the listing agreement, offer to purchase, correspondence
- chronological list of dates, times, events, conversations, representations that caused the concern
- ways in which the matter could be resolved to your satisfaction
- date by which you expect to hear back from them
2. You may wish to put this information in writing to assist in identifying and addressing your concerns.
The brochure and form listed below require the Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in (it's free).
Real
Estate Complaints and Investigation Procedures (PDF
format)
Complaint
of Unlawful or Improper Conduct - Form (PDF format)
In reviewing a complaint it may be necessary for staff of The Manitoba Securities Commission to obtain "personal information" as defined by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba), C.C.S.M. c. F175. Disclosure of personal information may be made to another securities regulator, self-regulatory organization, law enforcement, or person, including the subject of the complaint, if staff determine disclosure is required to complete its review of the complaint, to conduct an investigation, or in conjunction with any enforcement action commenced by staff.
3. Complaints are reviewed by commission staff to determine whether an investigation should be started, whether the complaint could more efficiently be handled by another organization, or whether the complaint will be closed without further review. You will be advised what decision has been made.
If the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, contact The Manitoba Securities Commission
Bill Baluk, Registrar
Telephone: (204) 945-2528
E-Mail: Bill.Baluk@gov.mb.ca
You will need the Acrobat Reader software to view and print the forms. If you do not have the Acrobat Reader software, you can get it here.
