Welcome to the Legal Help page of the Kentucky REALTORS®
While the majority of real estate transactions close without incident, there is a possibility that a problem or dispute can occur. As a first step, we recommend you contact the opposing party and make them aware of questions or concerns you have regarding the real estate transaction. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. However, occasionally a dispute arises which cannot be resolved through communication and negotiation.
Please select one of the options below so that we can provide you with appropriate information that may help you to resolve your dispute.
Legal Help for REALTORS®
Kentucky REALTORS® provides a Legal Hotline service for REALTOR® members to have direct access to a qualified attorney who can provide information on real estate law and related matters.
The Legal Hotline is designed for members, who are brokers or broker designees, to have direct access to a qualified attorney who can provide information on real estate law and related matters.
Access the KYR Legal Hotline (login required)
To get more information about joining and becoming a REALTOR®, contact your local board.
Legal Help for Non-REALTOR® Licensees
If the real estate agent is a REALTOR®
If you have a complaint against a real estate licensee who is also a REALTOR®, you may file a complaint with the Kentucky REALTORS®. First, you must verify that the real estate licensee is a REALTOR® by using the Find a REALTOR® Page to look them up by name.
Once you have confirmed that the agent is a REALTOR®, you may begin the process of filing a complaint. Visit the Legal Process page to file an Ethics Complaint, submit a Request for Ombudsman Services, or file a Request for Arbitration.
If the real estate agent is NOT a REALTOR®
If the agent is NOT a REALTOR®, you may confirm he/she is a real estate licensee by using the License Verification Form on the website of the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
If the real estate licensee holds an active real estate license, you may file a complaint, (remember to have Form 701 notarized before you mail it in) or you can contact a private attorney via the Kentucky Bar Association at (502) 564-3795 and ask about the Bar Association’s “Lawyer Locator” service.
Legal Help for Consumers
First, determine if your agent is a REALTOR®
Kentucky REALTORS® can only provide help if your real estate broker or salesperson is a member of our association. To verify that your agent is a REALTOR®, use the Find a REALTOR® Page to look them up by name.
If your agent is a REALTOR®
Once you have confirmed that your agent is a REALTOR®, you may begin the process of filing a complaint. Visit the “file a complaint” page to file an Ethics Complaint, submit a Request for Ombudsman Services, or file a Request for Arbitration.
If your agent is NOT a REALTOR®
If your agent is NOT a REALTOR®, you may confirm that they are a real estate licensee by using the License Verification Form on the website of the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). If the real estate licensee holds an active real estate license, you may file a complaint, (remember to have Form 701 notarized before you mail it in) or you can contact a private attorney via the Kentucky Bar Association at (502) 564-3795 and ask about the Bar Association’s “Lawyer Locator” service.
Remember the first step
As a first step, we recommend you contact the real estate agent or their broker and make them aware of questions or concerns you have regarding the real estate transaction. Give them an opportunity to address your concerns and if they are unable to do so, you can consider what action you will take.