Regulation and compliance with laws are essential to maintaining integrity and ethics in all transactions. The Department of Real Estate or DRE plays a crucial role in this process, including handling complaints filed by the public regarding possible violations of the Real Estate Law or the Subdivided Lands Law by of licensees or subdividers. In this article, we will explore how the DRE handles these complaints and conducts investigations and disciplinary actions when necessary.

Complaints

Complaints are formal statements submitted in writing by members of the public. These complaints allege possible violations of the Real Estate Law or the Parceled Land Law by licensees or subdividers. These complaints are an important mechanism for consumers to express concerns about the conduct or practices of professionals in the real estate industry. Complaints can address a wide variety of issues, from deceptive sales practices to problems with property documentation.

Investigations

Investigations related to complaints are carried out by two main sections within the DRE: the Compliance Section (Enforcement) and the Audits Section (Audits). When a complaint is received, the DRE begins an investigation to determine if there is support for the allegations presented. These investigations may include interviews with all parties involved, review of related documentation, and other evidence collection methods.

If an investigation validates a violation of real estate laws, the Department may take formal disciplinary action. These actions may include:

• Suspension or revocation of a license.
• Issuance of a restricted license.
• Filing of an Order to Desist and Refrain.
• In some serious cases, violations may result in additional legal action, such as civil penalties, criminal prosecutions, or substantial fines.

Hearings

When disciplinary action is taken, such as issuing a citation, the licensee has specific rights regarding the hearing process. Here are the key steps in this process:

• The licensee has 30 days from receipt of a subpoena to send a notice of intent to request a hearing. If such notice is not sent, the summons becomes final.
• The Commissioner's designee has 60 days to convene a review conference and announce a decision to confirm or modify the citation.
• After receiving the post-conference notice, the licensee has an additional 30 days to request a formal hearing. Otherwise, the decision becomes final.
• Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Government Code.

Decisions

Once the review is completed, the Commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a ruling to enforce his or her decision. This means that if disciplinary action has been taken, the Commissioner has the power to ensure that the decision is enforced, which may include suspension or revocation of a license.

Appeals

Under the California Code of Regulations (CCR), an appeals procedure is established for individuals or entities cited for a violation. Within the 30 days later Upon receipt of a subpoena, the subpoenaed individual or entity may contest the subpoena by submitting written notice to the Commissioner indicating the intent to request a formal hearing.

Complaint handling is an essential component of the California DRE's work. Through rigorous investigations and fair hearing procedures, DRE works to ensure that violations of real estate laws are appropriately addressed and that consumers are protected in the process. This regulatory system is critical to maintaining trust and integrity in the state's real estate industry.