The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has approved a clarification to Article 10, Standard of Practice 10-5, in its Code of Ethics. This change was made during the recent NAR Legislative Meetings. The revised standard now states that “REALTORS, in their capacity as real estate professionals, in association with their real estate businesses, or in their real estate-related activities shall not harass any person or persons based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”
Harassment is defined within the Code as unwelcome behavior directed at an individual or group based on protected characteristics that create a hostile environment affecting access to professional services or employment opportunities.
Matt Difanis, chair of the workgroup responsible for the revision proposal, summarized three main changes:
1. Policy Statement 29 in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual now limits disciplinary actions to REALTORS’ professional capacity and related activities.
2. The wording of Standard of Practice 10-5 reflects this limitation.
3. The term “harass” is explicitly defined within Standard of Practice 10-5.
These changes aim to improve clarity and objectivity by limiting the scope through a new “capacity” requirement while retaining other tools for addressing severe cases that do not meet this requirement.
In contrast to these updates to Article 10-5 in the NAR’s Code of Ethics, The Ohio Canons of Ethics emphasize maintaining high standards and integrity in dealings with both the public and fellow licensees.
