Key Takeaways
- Anyone can file a complaint against a licensee with MREC
- MREC investigates complaints and determines if violations occurred
- Licensees have the right to a hearing before disciplinary action is taken
- The Administrative Hearing Commission hears contested cases
- Licensees can appeal disciplinary decisions through the court system
Last updated: January 2026
Complaint and Disciplinary Process
Missouri has established procedures for investigating complaints and disciplining licensees who violate the law.
Filing a Complaint
Who Can File
| Complainant | Examples |
|---|---|
| Consumers | Buyers, sellers, tenants |
| Other licensees | Agents, brokers |
| MREC staff | Commission investigators |
| Other agencies | Law enforcement, other boards |
How to File
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Written complaint | Submit to MREC |
| Online form | Through MREC website |
| Phone | Initial contact |
Complaint Contents
| Required Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complainant identity | Contact information |
| Licensee identification | Name, license number |
| Description of conduct | What happened |
| Supporting documents | Contracts, correspondence |
| Witnesses | Names and contacts |
Investigation Process
MREC Investigation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Receipt | Complaint received and logged |
| Review | Preliminary review by staff |
| Investigation | Gather evidence, interview parties |
| Findings | Determine if violation occurred |
| Recommendation | Action or dismissal |
Investigation Authority
MREC investigators can:
| Authority | Description |
|---|---|
| Subpoena records | Obtain documents |
| Interview witnesses | Gather testimony |
| Audit accounts | Review trust accounts |
| Inspect offices | Examine brokerage records |
Disciplinary Hearing
Hearing Rights
Licensees have the right to:
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Notice | Written notice of charges |
| Hearing | Opportunity to be heard |
| Representation | Attorney or representative |
| Evidence | Present evidence and witnesses |
| Cross-examination | Question adverse witnesses |
| Appeal | Challenge adverse decision |
Administrative Hearing Commission
For contested cases:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Independent tribunal | Hears license disputes |
| Formal hearing | Rules of evidence apply |
| Decision | Findings and recommendations |
| Review | MREC reviews decision |
Settlement Options
Consent Agreement
Parties may agree to resolve without hearing:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Negotiated settlement | Agreed-upon terms |
| Admission or no admission | Varies by case |
| Discipline agreed | Sanctions specified |
| MREC approval | Commission must approve |
Appeals
Appeal Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| MREC decision | Final agency decision |
| Circuit court | First level of appeal |
| Court of Appeals | Second level |
| Supreme Court | Final review (discretionary) |
Grounds for Appeal
| Ground | Description |
|---|---|
| Procedural error | Process not followed |
| Insufficient evidence | Decision not supported |
| Abuse of discretion | Unreasonable action |
| Legal error | Incorrect law applied |
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Test Your Knowledge
Who can file a complaint against a Missouri real estate licensee?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is a consent agreement in the Missouri disciplinary process?
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