The Code of Ethics

NAR's Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients' best interests.

The Code of Ethics

View the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Download a PDF of the 2024 NAR Code of Ethics & Standards of Practicepdf (203.07 KB)

Download a Word version of the 2024 NAR Code of Ethics & Standards of Practicedocx (35.43 KB)

See translations of the 2024 Code of Ethics in other languages.

View previous editions of the Code of Ethics.

Download the 2024 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice Posterpdf (164.13 KB)

Get the 2024 Code of Ethics products from the NAR REALTOR® Store

Physical versions of the 2024 Code of Ethics collection can be purchased on the REALTOR® Store. Plus, unlock a 10% discount when you purchase the complete bundle of 2024 Code of Ethics materials instead of buying them individually. Maximize your savings while accessing all the essential resources!

Browse the 2024 Code of Ethics collection from the REALTOR® Store.

New Policies Approved

NAR's Board of Directors approved new Code of Ethics & Professional Standards policies on November 13, 2020.

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For Members:

Code of Ethics Training

Fulfill your training requirement with free courses for new and existing members, C2EX.

Pledge of Performance and Service

The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®.

Pathways to Professionalism

January 1, 2024

Issues of courtesy and etiquette are also important factors when it comes to NAR's Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice.

For Associations:

FAQs for Professional Standards Enforcement During COVID-19

FAQs for PS Enforcement During COVID-19

These FAQs will assist associations with questions about how to safely enforce the Code of Ethics, including the duty to arbitrate, during COVID-19.

Code of Ethics & Arbitration Manual

In-depth materials on interpreting the Code of Ethics including arbitration, mediation, and professional standards.

Training Toolkit for AEs

These resources will help association executives administer and implement the REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training requirement.

Ethics Complaints & Arbitration Requests

REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics.

From REALTOR® Magazine:

COVID-19 and the Code

April 6, 2020

As REALTORS® follow an ever-changing array of shelter-in-place orders and government recommendations, where does NAR’s Code Of Ethics come into play?

The Code Toughens Its Words

January 8, 2020

An implicit antidiscrimination ban is now spelled out by a new standard of practice in the Code of Ethics.

The Code That Grows

February 27, 2019

Global business and state laws are among the issues that our evolving Code of Ethics addresses.

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More on Ethics at REALTOR® Magazine

Further articles on Code of Ethics topics are available at REALTOR® Magazine.

Additional Resources:

Duty to Adopt and Enforce the Code of Ethics

Specific articles and sections of NAR's Bylaws support the Leadership Team's recommendation that the Association should take an aggressive role in ensuring that state associations meet their obligation to enforce the Code of Ethics.

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Code Comprehension

These code comprehension resources set forth FAQs that clarify various articles of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. On each page, a downloadable PDF has been made available as a training resource to be distributed among members.

The Code of Ethics

NAR's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice plus related resources and training.

The Code of Ethics

New Policies Approved

For Members:

For Associations:

From REALTOR® Magazine:

More on Ethics at REALTOR® Magazine

Additional Resources:

Duty to Adopt and Enforce the Code of Ethics

Code Comprehension