Anyone filing a complaint with the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing should be aware that if a
license law violation has been committed, the Division only has jurisdiction to take action against the perpetrator’s
license. The Division does not have the authority to compel the licensee to perform under the terms of a contract
or award damages to a complainant. Any such action must be initiated in a court of law. Additionally, Ohio law
prohibits the Division from giving private legal advice or opinions. If legal advice is desired, please consult with
an attorney.
When the Division initiates an investigation, it is not assumed that a violation of license law has occurred or that
anyone will be charged with a violation. Only after reviewing the evidence obtained from an investigation may the
Division allege the existence of a violation and bring charges against a licensee.
FILING A COMPLAINT
The Division requires all complaints be filed in written form. Upon receipt of a complete complaint form, the
enforcement section will review the matter to determine if it falls under the Division’s jurisdiction. For such
jurisdiction to exist, the complaint must concern the conduct of a real estate appraiser certified, licensed or
registered by this division and acting in such capacity.
If it is determined that the complaint is within the Division’s jurisdiction, the complaint will be assigned to an
investigator, and the complainant and the licensee will be notified.
They will both be asked if they would like an
opportunity to meet with one another to discuss the complaint at an Informal Meeting. The informal meeting
allows the complainant and the licensee to discuss their differences and attempt to reach a resolution of the
problem. If held, the informal meeting will be confidential. An informal meeting will only be conducted if both
parties agree to attend. There is no obligation to attend and non-attendance will not be held against either party in
any way.
If the complainant and the licensee/certificate holder reach an agreement at the informal meeting, the complaint
will be closed upon the Division receiving satisfactory notice that the agreement has been fulfilled.
If the complainant and licensee do not agree to an informal meeting or if no accommodation is reached, the
Division will proceed with its investigation of the complaint.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare a report of the findings. The report will be
internally reviewed to determine if sufficient evidence of a license law violation exists. If it is determined that
there is not sufficient evidence to prove any violation, no further action will be taken.
If it is determined that a violation can be proven, formal charges may be filed and a Formal Hearing held. In the
event of a formal hearing, the complainant and licensee will be notified of the date, time and place of the hearing.
The hearing is similar to a court proceeding but not as formal. It is held before a hearing examiner who is an
attorney. An Assistant Attorney General represents the Division. The licensee has the right to be represented by
legal counsel and can have subpoenas issued to witnesses to testify. The complainant will usually be called to
testify and may also bring legal counsel if desired.
The examiner’s report will be distributed to the concerned parties. Within ten days of receipt of the report, the
Division or licensee may file written objections to the hearing examiner’s findings and conclusions. The Ohio Real
Estate Appraiser Board will then review the report and any written objections at its next meeting. The complainant
and licensee may appear at this review and present testimony. The Board will decide whether or not to adopt the
hearing examiner’s findings and recommendation. It may then order disciplinary sanctions against the licensee.
Be certain to sign and date the form where indicated
informal meetings wtf. anyways someone needs to sign and date the ohio complaint form
