What is RECO?
RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) is the provincial regulatory body that licenses real estate professionals, sets conduct standards, and handles complaints against agents and brokers in Ontario.
The Real Estate Council of Ontario, known as RECO, serves as Ontario's regulator for real estate agents, brokers, and mortgage brokers. It is the authority responsible for licensing real estate professionals, establishing rules of conduct, and disciplining those who violate provincial standards.
RECO's main functions include:
- Issuing and renewing licenses for real estate agents and brokers operating in Ontario
- Setting and enforcing professional standards through a code of conduct
- Investigating complaints from consumers or other industry participants
- Taking disciplinary action when violations occur, ranging from warnings to license suspension or revocation
- Maintaining a public registry of licensed agents and brokers
When a consumer has a dispute with an agent or broker, RECO provides a complaints process to investigate the matter. This makes RECO the first point of contact for addressing misconduct or breach of trust in Ontario real estate transactions.
For buyers, sellers, or anyone working with a real estate agent, knowing that RECO oversees the professional means there is recourse if something goes wrong. Agents and brokers must comply with RECO regulations to maintain their license to operate in the province.