# RECO Code of Ethics

### **Overview of Ethical Obligations**

The <span class="s2">**RECO Code of Ethics**</span> outlines the professional standards that all registrants in Ontario must follow. It is not just about following the law — it’s about acting with <span class="s2">**honesty, integrity, fairness, and accountability**</span> in every transaction. These ethical standards form the foundation of public trust in real estate professionals and are enforceable by the Real Estate Council of Ontario.

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### **Duty to Clients vs Duty to the Public**

As a real estate professional, you have a <span class="s2">**dual responsibility**</span>:

- **To your clients:**
    
    
    - Promote and protect their best interests
    - Provide competent, conscientious service
    - Maintain confidentiality
    - Disclose all relevant facts and options
- **To the public (including other agents and consumers):**
    
    
    - Treat everyone with fairness, honesty, and integrity
    - Avoid misleading information, misrepresentation, or discriminatory practices
    - Do not engage in conduct unbecoming of a professional

You are expected to <span class="s2">**balance these duties**</span> without compromising either.

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### **Avoiding Conflicts of Interest**

A conflict of interest arises when your ability to act impartially for a client is compromised by personal or financial interests. Examples include:

- Representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction without written consent
- Referring services where you have an undisclosed financial stake
- Competing with your own client on a property

<span class="s2">**Key rule:**</span> Always disclose the potential conflict in writing <span class="s2">**before**</span> continuing with the transaction. Then get written consent from all parties involved.

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### **Disclosure Requirements**

You must be transparent in all dealings by disclosing:

- **Material facts:**
    
    Anything that could reasonably affect a person’s decision to buy or sell (e.g., water damage, zoning issues, stigmas if known)
- **Representation relationships:**
    
    Make it clear <span class="s1">**who you represent**</span> in any interaction. Use <span class="s1">**Working with a REALTOR®**</span> forms to confirm understanding.
- **Multiple representation:**
    
    If your brokerage represents both buyer and seller, all parties must be fully informed and provide written consent (Form 320).

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#### **Here is the complete RECO Code of Ethics:**

#### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">[RECO Code of Ethics](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/050580)</span>