Maryland Real Estate Commission
A complaint to MREC is serious.
We have stood on both sides of it.
Whether you are a buyer or seller filing a complaint, or an agent or broker defending your license, this is the clearest guide to the MREC process in Maryland. Find your door below.
DK Law Group is not affiliated with the Maryland Real Estate Commission. This page is educational and is not legal advice.
WHAT is MREC?
The state body that licenses agents. And disciplines them.
The Maryland Real Estate Commission licenses and regulates real estate agents and brokers, handling complaints, conducting investigations, and deciding on license sanctions when transactions go wrong. AT A GLANCE 2 MD $0 Audiences served, each routed to its own door. Diana is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Maryland Cost of your first consultation with our team.
This page guides two different audiences through the process, highlighting our advantage: Diana Khan, a licensed real estate broker in Maryland and Pennsylvania, offers insider industry insights.
At A Glance
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2
Audiences served, each routed to its own door.
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MD
Diana is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Maryland.
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$0
Cost of your first consultation with our team.
TWO DOORS
One process, two very different
positions. Pick your path.
I want to file a complaint
Recover possession the right way. Pre-suit notice, the four pathways, sheriff day, and deposit accounting that avoids treble damages.
I received a complaint
Understand the notice and your defenses. Rent escrow, redemption, deposit recovery, and your right to counsel.
HOW IT WORKS
Every MREC complaint moves
through the same four stages.
Complaint Filed
A written complaint is submitted to MREC with the facts, dates, and any documents that support it.
Investigation
An investigator gathers records and statements from both sides, then reports findings to the Commission.
Review or Hearing
The Commission may dismiss, resolve informally, or set a formal hearing where evidence is presented.
Decision Issued
MREC issues a result, from no action to fines, education, suspension, or license revocation.
Timelines vary by case. The detail and real examples on each sub-page come from Diana's direct experience.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers.
In plain English.
If your question is not here, a short call with our team will answer it. Consultations are free.
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A formal report to the Maryland Real Estate Commission can be filed if an agent or broker is suspected of violating state license law or conduct rules. Anyone affected by a transaction may file it, and the Commission determines whether to investigate.
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In Maryland, a complaint may be filed by a person who was represented by a Maryland-licensed real estate agent or broker in the sale, purchase, or leasing of property. The complaint must involve a real estate transaction in Maryland.
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The Maryland Real Estate Commission says the complaint process can take up to two years, although some complaints may be resolved within a year depending on the facts, evidence, and investigation.
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Yes. When a complaint is opened, the Commission sends a copy of the complaint to the agent or broker so they have an opportunity to respond. Filing a complaint does not mean the agent or broker is automatically penalized.
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MREC can investigate possible violations of Maryland real estate license law and take disciplinary action when supported by the evidence. Depending on the case, that may include a reprimand, fines, probation, suspension, or revocation of a real estate license. The Commission also publishes disciplinary actions for licensees.
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Do not ignore it. A complaint letter usually means MREC is giving you an opportunity to respond to allegations. Review the letter carefully, gather your contracts, emails, disclosures, notes, and transaction documents, and consider speaking with an attorney before submitting a response.
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Not necessarily. An MREC complaint is mainly about whether a Maryland real estate licensee violated licensing laws or conduct rules. A complaint and a Guaranty Fund claim are separate matters, and financial recovery generally requires proof of actual loss. Some disputes, such as earnest money disputes without a signed mutual release, may need to be handled in court.
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No. DK Law is not part of the Maryland Real Estate Commission and does not decide complaints or disciplinary outcomes. DK Law can help consumers, agents, brokers, and real estate professionals understand their options, prepare documents, respond to MREC correspondence, or address related real estate disputes.
REVIEWED BY
Diana Khan, Esq.
Diana is an attorney and licensed real estate broker in Maryland and Pennsylvania, offering insights from both legal and industry perspectives in MREC matters. Her guidance reflects the Commission's operations, not just statutory provisions.
Not sure which door is yours? Start with a free call.
Tell us where you stand and we will point you to the right next step. No obligation, no affiliation with MREC, just clear direction.