# Section 16: MLS Policy & Enforcement {% hint style="info" %} 🟦 = NAR-based policy provision {% endhint %} ### [16.1 – Rules Enforcement, Fines, and Disputes](#id-16.1-rules-enforcement-fines-and-disputes-nar-policies-7.21-and-7.22) 🟦NAR Policies 7.21 & 7.22 The Participant is ultimately responsible and accountable for all individuals affiliated with their office. Any violation by a Subscriber or staff member can subject the Participant to the same or additional disciplinary action. The MLS Board of Directors may impose a letter of warning, required education, a fine, suspension of services, or termination of membership. #### [A. Resolution](#a.-resolution) For all correctable violations, the correction window begins the day *after* the notification is sent; fines are only assessed if the error is not corrected within the grace period. Correcting a violation within the grace period avoids the immediate fine, but depending on which category the violation is under, the infraction may remain on the agent’s record for a rolling 12-month period. Any subsequent violation of the same rule within that timeframe will be treated as a second offense and fined according to the progressive schedule in each category. #### [B. Bulk Violations](#b.-bulk-violations) Any violations of the same rule by the same agent within a 24-hour period will be counted as one violation. This grouping rule is based on a 24-hour rolling window and is separate from “business day” deadlines defined in [**Section 1.1**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/VjRMUDfZ0Hw8G1b1J5zg#id-1.1-timekeeping-applies-to-entire-handbook). (e.g., an agent has one property under contract in multiple categories but fails to update the proposed closing date for each listing). #### [C. Payment & Appeals](#c.-payment-and-appeals) {% hint style="danger" %} MLS staff may waive a fine only when the fine resulted from an MLS administrative, processing, or system error. **All other disputes** must be appealed to the Board of Directors within ten (10) days of the violation notice. {% endhint %} **Payment Deadline:** Fines are due within thirty (30) days of the violation notice. The filing of an appeal does not pause the payment deadline unless BSCMLS confirms that the appeal has been accepted for Board consideration. **Staff Screening of Repeat Appeals:** MLS staff may administratively screen an appeal if it is based on grounds substantially similar to those previously denied by the Board. In such cases, staff shall provide the appellant with a written explanation citing the relevant prior Board determination, with identifying information redacted. The appellant retains the right to request Board review upon a showing of materially distinguishing facts. Staff may also provide the relevant meeting minutes, with the names of individuals and brokerages redacted as appropriate. For the complete fine non-payment escalation timeline - including suspension and termination dates - see [**Payment Deadlines, Late Fees, and Non-Payment Consequences**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/0Lk7wLMdwviDJI22FV2G#c.-payment-deadlines-late-fees-and-non-payment-consequences). #### [D. Participant Responsibility](#d.-participant-responsibility) The BSCMLS will send a copy of all administrative sanctions against a Subscriber to the Participant. The Participant is required to attend the hearing of any Subscriber affiliated with their office who has received more than three (3) administrative sanctions within a calendar year. #### [E. Policy on Suspension for Repeated Offenders](#e.-policy-on-suspension-for-repeated-offenders) If an Agent reaches a 4th offense in a rolling 12-month period, their membership suspension lasts for exactly 90 calendar days from the date of the notice. If the fine is paid in full before Day 90, the account will be automatically reactivated on Day 90. {% hint style="danger" %} #### **Brokerage Level Suspension & Subscriber Transfer:** If the individual suspended for a violation is the Participant, see [**Section 2.3.D**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/v7uCsMa4Ob3asfg0swKK#d.-office-wide-effect-of-participant-suspension-or-termination) regarding the office-wide effect on affiliated Subscribers. In these specific cases of brokerage-level suspensions arising under this subsection, BSCMLS will waive its internal transfer fee for affected Subscribers. **Note:** While the BSCMLS waives its internal transfer fee, Subscribers may still be responsible for fees required by their local and/or state Association. {% endhint %} ### [16.2 – Violation Categories & Fine Schedule](#id-16.2-violation-categories-and-fine-schedule) Fines are assessed to the Primary Agent (Listing Agent # 1) and emailed to both the Agent and the Participant. Day counting begins the day after the Notice Date (see [**Resolution**](#a.-resolution)). ### [CATEGORY 1: DATA INTEGRITY & CONTENT STANDARDS](#category-1-data-integrity-and-content-standards) Category 1 violations address the quality, consistency, and neutrality of the MLS database. These rules ensure that all listing data is accurate, complete, and free of unauthorized marketing or self-promotion. While these violations negatively impact the reliability of the Service, they are generally considered correctable administrative errors. #### **Resolution:** The three (3) business day correction window begins the day *after* the notification is sent; fines are only assessed if the error is not corrected within the grace period. #### *Violations (all of which are correctable) include:*
A. Prohibited URL Content (Virtual/3D Tours): The Virtual Tour and 3D Tour fields are reserved strictly for content specific to the subject property (e.g., video walkthroughs, panoramas). Links to any site not dedicated to the subject property are prohibited.
B. Prohibited Branding & Self-Promotion: Public-facing media and data fields are reserved strictly for property-specific descriptions and must remain free of all Subscriber or Brokerage contact information and promotional content. The following constitute a branding violation: * **Public Text Fields:** Including any agent or brokerage name, phone number, email address, website URL, or other contact information in Public Remarks, Directions, or any other public-facing text field. This prohibition extends to URLs or links that direct viewers to external content — including flyers, websites, landing pages, or documents — on which agent or brokerage contact information is visible. * **Listing Photos:** Displaying watermarks, text overlays, logos, or legible yard signs containing contact information in any listing photo. * **Virtual Tours:** While Listing Agent/Brokerage branding is permitted within a Virtual Tour, the content must remain specific to the subject property. Tours that include promotions for other listings, unrelated services, or links to external lead-generation sites are prohibited. * **Associated Documents (a.k.a. Supplements):** Marking any Associated Document as "Public" if it contains agent or brokerage contact information (including but not limited to: name, phone number, email address, website URL, logo, or photo) or promotional material not specific to the property's physical characteristics. Property flyers and marketing materials that include any such contact information must be uploaded as "Private" documents. Documents describing physical property attributes (e.g., deeds, plats, surveys) are permitted as Public documents; agent bios, team profiles, and branded marketing materials are prohibited as Public documents.
C. Inaccurate, Fictitious, or Placeholder Data: All listing data must be accurate and strictly match the terms of the listing agreement (specifically the address, listing and expiration dates, price, and legal description). The submission of fabricated details or the use of placeholders (e.g., all zeros, “TBD,” “On File”) to bypass mandatory field requirements is prohibited. If a seller requests address suppression on public internet sites, the listing must use the MLS-approved address suppression setting(s); substituting marketing language or non-address text in an address field is prohibited. * **Exception:** In the specific instance of newly subdivided land or new construction where a Parcel Tax ID or Geocode has not yet been assigned by the County Assessor, the entry of zeros or “TBD” in the Tax ID field is permitted. This exception is temporary. The Agent is required to monitor the county records for their Active and Pending listings and update the listing with the accurate Tax ID/Geocode within 72 hours of its assignment by the county. Failure to update the field for Active/Pending listings once the ID is available constitutes a violation.
D. Incorrect Classification, Property Type or Location: Properties must be entered under the correct Property Type, Class, and MLS Area based on their physical characteristics, permitted use, and location. Additionally, the Agent must verify that the map pin placement accurately reflects the property’s geographic location. Inaccurate auto-mapping by the system does not relieve the Agent of their responsibility to verify and correct the pin placement.
E. Failure to Cancel Duplicate Listings: If a property is listed in multiple categories (e.g., Residential and Land), only one listing may be reported as “Sold.” All other listings for the same property must be updated to “Canceled/Terminated” immediately upon closing.
F. Minimum Photo Requirement: All listings must contain a minimum of three (3) property photos. Residential listings must include at least one photo of the front exterior of the home.
G. Security Codes in MLS: Security codes, gate codes, lockbox combos, or alarm codes are strictly prohibited in any MLS field.
H. Manipulation of Listing History: Intentional manipulation of listing data to misrepresent property history, pricing, or Days on Market (“DOM”) is prohibited (e.g., withdrawing and relisting a property to reset DOM without a valid reason, or deliberately altering the listing date to hide market history).
I. Failure to Extend Proposed Closing Date: For Under Contract or Contingent Backups OK listings, the “Proposed Closing Date” must be kept current. If the date passes by more than three (3) business days without a status update or extension, the listing is in violation.
#### [Fine Schedule for Category 1](#fine-schedule-for-category-1)
Step 1Step 2 (if not corrected)Step 3 (if still not corrected)
Courtesy Correction NoticeFine AssessmentUnresolved Violation & Suspension
(3 business days to correct)

$20 Fine

(assessed on Day 4)

Subscribers MLS Services are suspended *

(assessed on Day 7)

{% hint style="danger" icon="user-lock" %} **\*****BROKERAGE LEVEL SUSPENSION:** If a Day 7 suspension is issued against a Participant, see [**Section 2.3.D**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/v7uCsMa4Ob3asfg0swKK#d.-office-wide-effect-of-participant-suspension-or-termination) regarding the office-wide effect on affiliated Subscribers. {% endhint %}
### [CATEGORY 2: OPERATIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE](#category-2-operational-and-administrative-compliance) Category 2 violations are tracked on a rolling 12-month basis and include: (1) Correctable “Open” violations that remain unresolved until cured; and (2) Non-correctable “Event” violations that are complete upon occurrence. {% stepper %} {% step %} #### Correctable “Open” Violations (Action Required): For open violations, the Subscriber has three (3) business days from the Notice Date to cure the violation. If cured by the deadline, the matter is recorded but does not count as a violation offense for purposes of the progressive fine schedule. If not cured, the violation becomes Unresolved and is subject to escalating penalties for continued noncompliance until cured. Continued noncompliance penalties do not create new “offenses.” #### *Violations include:*
A. Failure to Submit Required Forms (Open Violation): Required documentation (e.g., Office Exclusive Disclosure, Temporarily Off-Market form) has not been received by the MLS by the applicable deadline. Submit the missing form within three (3) business days of the Notice Date.
B. Withholding Sold Data / Improper Cancellation of Under Contract or Contingent Backups OK Listings (Open Violation): An Under Contract or Contingent Backups OK listing was canceled or otherwise manipulated in a manner that prevents required sold reporting. MLS Staff may administratively reinstate the listing. The Agent must update the status to Sold and populate all required closing data no later than the third business day following reinstatement.
{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Non-Correctable “Event” Violations (Strict Compliance): Event violations are complete upon occurrence and are recorded based on the MLS timestamp or verified evidence. Correcting related data may be required, but it does not remove the violation. Event violations count toward the progressive fine schedule. #### *Violations include:*
A. Late Entry / Late Status Change (Event Violation): A listing or required status change was entered after the applicable deadline. Entering the listing stops ongoing issues, but the late entry is recorded as a permanent violation.
B. Entry of Prohibited Property Types: Entering a listing for a property type that is ineligible for inclusion in the BSCMLS is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, personal property only and business opportunities that do not include the transfer or lease of a real property interest. Because such listings are not eligible for entry into the Service at all, the violation is complete upon entry and the listing may be removed immediately by MLS Staff.
C. Violation of Office Staff Guidelines (Event Violation): Unlicensed administrative staff performed prohibited activities as defined in [**Section 2.1.C - Office Staff (Unlicensed Assistant)**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/v7uCsMa4Ob3asfg0swKK#c.-office-staff-unlicensed-assistant).
D. Improper Account Access (Subscriber-to-Subscriber) (Event Violation): Sharing login credentials with another active Subscriber, or accessing the MLS using another Subscriber’s identity, is prohibited. Subscribers must use authorized “Team” or “Identity Sharing” tools while logged in under their own credentials.
{% endstep %} {% endstepper %} #### [Fine Schedule for Category 2](#fine-schedule-for-category-2) #### **OPEN VIOLATIONS (CONTINUING NONCOMPLIANCE)** Open Violations follow a 3-business-day cycle. After the initial 3-business-day correction window, fines are assessed every third business day the violation remains unresolved. Each fine doubles from the prior assessment until corrected.
StageTiming (Business Days)Outcome
Notice / Grace PeriodDays 1 - 3Correction window (no fine)
Fine Cycle BeginsDay 4$100 fine assessed if still unresolved
Continuing Noncompliance

Every 3 business days thereafter

(days 7, 10, 13, 16, 19…)

Fine doubles every cycle until corrected
#### **EVENT VIOLATIONS (ONE-TIME) (ROLLING 12 MONTHS)** Event Violations are complete when they occur and do not repeat as continuing violations. Repeat occurrences within a rolling 12-month period escalate under the schedule above.
1st Offense2nd OffenseSubsequent Offenses
Letter of Warning$100 FineFine doubles with each occurrence
### [CATEGORY 3: CONTRACTS & SECURITY COMPLIANCE](#category-3-contracts-and-security-compliance) This category enforces fundamental security and legal requirements. Unlike Category 2, which tracks a 12-month history, Category 3 operates on a Repeating Compliance Cycle. Penalties in this category do not escalate (e.g., 1st vs. 2nd offense); instead, the enforcement cycle repeats until the specific violation is resolved. #### *Violations include:*
A. Listings Submitted Without a Valid Agreement: All listings entered into the Service must be supported by a valid, written listing agreement signed by the seller(s) and the Listing Agent. The Listing Date in the MLS must match the effective date on the agreement. {% hint style="warning" icon="memo-circle-check" %} **Verification Protocol:** Upon receipt of a complaint, MLS Staff will issue a “Request for Verification” to the Listing Agent. This notification serves as the “Courtesy Correction Notice” (Step 1). The Listing Agent must provide a fully executed copy of the listing agreement to MLS Staff within three (3) business days. If the listing agreement is not received by the end of the 3-day deadline, or if the agreement provided is void (e.g., missing signatures or expired), the listing will be Administratively Canceled by MLS staff and the Step 2 Penalty ($250 Fine) will be assessed to the Agent. If the agreement provided is valid, but the Listing Date (or other data) entered in the MLS does not match the agreement, the error will be reclassified as a Category 1 Violation (Inaccurate Data or Manipulation of Listing History). MLS Staff will issue a new notification requiring the Agent to correct the MLS data to match the contract within the standard Category 1 grace period. {% endhint %}
B. Use of Unapproved Lockboxes: If a lockbox or access device is used, it must meet BSCMLS security standards as defined in the [**Approved Lockboxes & Security Measures**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/oaAM6P6XP8jmZE6N2dMB#b.-approved-lockboxes-and-security-measures). The use of devices that do not provide comparable security, access control, and auditability (e.g., unsecured combination padlocks used as the primary means of access) is prohibited. To resolve this violation, the Agent must provide photo evidence that an approved security measure is in place and update the “Lockbox Type” field in the MLS.
#### [Fine Schedule for Category 3](#fine-schedule-for-category-3)
Step 1Step 2 (if not corrected)Step 3 (if still not corrected)
Courtesy Correction NoticeFine AssessmentSuspension
(3 business days to correct)

$250 Fine

(assessed on Day 4)

The subscribers MLS Services are suspended *

(assessed on Day 7)

{% hint style="danger" icon="user-lock" %} **\*****BROKERAGE LEVEL SUSPENSION:** If a Day 7 suspension is issued against a Participant, see [**Section 2.3.D**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/v7uCsMa4Ob3asfg0swKK#d.-office-wide-effect-of-participant-suspension-or-termination) regarding the office-wide effect on affiliated Subscribers. {% endhint %}
### [CATEGORY 4: UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS](#category-4-unauthorized-access) The security of our database and the physical safety of homeowners depend on the restricted access of login and lockbox credentials. Sharing this information - regardless of the intent - is a violation of the Participant/Subscriber agreement and exposes the firm and the individual to significant liability. Category 4 violations are tracked on a rolling 12-month basis. #### *Violations include:*
A. Sharing MLS Login Credentials: Sharing a user ID and password with **ANY** individual is strictly prohibited. If credentials are shared with an unauthorized individual (a non-member), it is considered a major security breach subject to the immediate fines and suspensions outlined in Category 4. If credentials are shared with another active BSCMLS Subscriber (e.g., an agent within the same office), it is classified as an operational violation ([**Category 2**](#category-2-operational-and-administrative-compliance)).
B. Sharing Lockbox Key or Credentials: Sharing SentriLock credentials (app login, access codes, or One-Day Codes) with any other person is a major security breach. This prohibition applies to sharing with other licensed agents, unlicensed assistants, clients, family members, or friends. Unlicensed individuals may not possess or use keys for showings or provide buyer access to listed property; courier transport of keys at a licensee’s direction is permitted.
C. Unauthorized Distribution of MLS Data: Distribution of MLS content to unauthorized parties (e.g., providing MLS data to non-members)
#### [Fine Schedule for Category 4](#fine-schedule-for-category-4)
1st Offense2nd Offense3rd OffenseSubsequent Offenses
Immediate $1,000 FineImmediate $3,000 FineImmediate $5,000 Fine90-day Suspension *
{% hint style="danger" icon="user-lock" %} **\***[**See Policy on Suspension for Repeated Offenders**](#e.-policy-on-suspension-for-repeated-offenders) {% endhint %}
### [CATEGORY 5: CLEAR COOPERATION POLICY (“CCP”)](#category-5-clear-cooperation-policy-ccp) Category 5 enforces the Clear Cooperation Policy as defined in [**Section 6.6**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/Ly52oj7Jm1RUXjXdk2ur#id-6.6-clear-cooperation-policy-ccp-violation-and-repercussions-nar-policy-8.00), which is the authoritative source for CCP definitions, triggers, corrective procedures, and filing deadlines. This category applies exclusively to [**Mandatory Property Types**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/2lQd8DvPaLSQ1sFYXgth#id-5.1-mandatory-submission-property-types-subject-to-ccp). Listings classified as [**Exempt Property Types**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/2lQd8DvPaLSQ1sFYXgth#id-5.2-exempt-property-types) are not subject to CCP enforcement under BSCMLS mandatory-submission rules.
A. Violation of Clear Cooperation Policy (“CCP”): Office Exclusive listings — whether entered in the MLS for office-only visibility or withheld from the MLS — must remain private. Public marketing of a private listing, or promotion of that listing to more than one agent outside the listing office, triggers a CCP violation and requires the corrective action set forth in [**Section 6.6**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/Ly52oj7Jm1RUXjXdk2ur#id-6.6-clear-cooperation-policy-ccp-violation-and-repercussions-nar-policy-8.00). Fines are assessed under the schedule below and begin accruing once the corrective deadline has been missed.
{% hint style="warning" %} **Reporting Suspected CCP Violations:** Any Participant or Subscriber who believes a CCP violation has occurred should promptly report the matter to BSCMLS Staff and provide supporting evidence sufficient to establish a reasonable basis for investigation. Examples may include screenshots of social media posts, email blasts, group messages, online advertisements, flyers, or photographs of yard signs or other public marketing. If the nature of the alleged violation is not clear from the evidence itself, the reporting member should also provide a brief written explanation of the circumstances. BSCMLS may require additional documentation or verification before determining whether a violation occurred. Unsupported allegations, standing alone, are not sufficient for enforcement action. {% endhint %} #### **These are time-sensitive violations with escalating daily fines.** **Timing clarification (corrective action vs. fines):** The corrective action deadline is **within one (1) business day** of public marketing, or within one (1) business day of discovery/notice if the exact marketing time cannot be established. Once that deadline is missed, fines accrue on a **calendar-day basis** (including weekends and holidays) until the listing is entered in the MLS in the required visibility state and the violation is cured. **Example:** Discovered Wednesday → corrective deadline by end of Thursday; if not corrected, fines begin Friday and continue daily until cured. #### [Fine Schedule for Category 5](#fine-schedule-for-category-5)
1st Offense2nd Offense3rd OffenseSubsequent Offenses
$100 fine per day until the violation is correctedImmediate $500 Fine + $500 fine per day until the violation is correctedImmediate $1,000 Fine + $1,000 fine per day until the violation is corrected90-day Suspension *
{% hint style="danger" icon="user-lock" %} **\***[**See Policy on Suspension for Repeated Offenders**](#e.-policy-on-suspension-for-repeated-offenders) {% endhint %}
### [CATEGORY 6: REGULATORY MANDATES & DATA FEED MISUSE](#category-6-regulatory-mandates-and-data-feed-misuse) Category 6 enforces the mandatory practice changes resulting from national legal settlements, alongside the professional conduct standards required to maintain a respectful marketplace. These rules strictly govern the prohibition of compensation offers within the MLS, the requirement for written buyer agreements, and adherence to seller-defined showing protocols. Violations in this category jeopardize the legal compliance and professional reputation of the entire Service and potentially put the sellers safety at risk. #### *Violations include:*
A. Prohibition on Offers of Compensation in the MLS: This category enforces the compensation prohibition established in the [**Prohibition of Compensation Offers in the MLS**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/tFB2KFfdICx3s9YIGYwB#id-8.1-prohibition-of-compensation-offers-in-the-mls-nar-policy-8.11), which is the authoritative source for the full scope of this rule. Any violation — including placement of compensation offers in any MLS field, photo, virtual tour, associated document, or MLS-provided service — is subject to the fine schedule below. * Seller concessions may be mentioned in the MLS provided they are not conditioned on payment to a Broker (see [**Seller Concessions in the MLS**](https://rulebook.bscmls.com/pages/tFB2KFfdICx3s9YIGYwB#id-8.2-seller-concessions-in-the-mls)). * MLS Staff will immediately remove any remarks or media found to contain offers of compensation.
B. Written Buyer Agreements Required: Unless inconsistent with state or federal law or regulation, all Participants “working with” a buyer must execute a written buyer agreement prior to touring a home. Showing a property to a buyer without a signed agreement in place is a violation resulting in immediate fines.
C. Failure to Follow Showing Instructions: Cooperating Brokers must obtain permission and strictly follow the Listing Agent’s showing instructions before accessing a property or lockbox. Accessing a property outside of approved times or terms is a violation. For violations regarding Written Buyer Agreements or Failure to Follow Showing Instructions, the burden of proof lies with the reporting member. MLS Staff must be presented with clear and convincing evidence that the Participant was in violation at the time of entry.
#### [Fine Schedule for Category 6 (violations A, B & C)](#fine-schedule-for-category-6)
1st Offense2nd Offense3rd OffenseSubsequent Offenses
Immediate $250 FineImmediate $500 FineImmediate $1,000 Fine90-day Suspension *
{% hint style="danger" icon="user-lock" %} **\***[**See Policy on Suspension for Repeated Offenders**](#e.-policy-on-suspension-for-repeated-offenders) {% endhint %}
D. Prohibition on Compensation Aggregation (Data Feeds): Participants and Subscribers are prohibited from using MLS data, MLS-provided data, or data feeds to directly or indirectly establish, operate, maintain, or contribute to any platform, database, or system that aggregates, displays, or facilitates the comparison of offers of compensation from multiple agents or brokerages. This prohibition applies to all Participants and Subscribers, regardless of REALTOR® membership status, and constitutes an MLS rule violation subject to administrative enforcement under these rules. Since this restriction is required under National Association of REALTORS® MLS policy as a condition of data-sharing and license rights, any violation shall trigger mandatory corrective and compliance action by the BSCMLS, which may include immediate removal of access to the affected data feeds, suspension of MLS access, and other sanctions authorized under these rules. Nothing in this subsection limits the BSCMLS’s authority to take immediate action necessary to protect MLS data integrity, comply with NAR MLS policy, or preserve the MLS’s data-license rights.
#### [Fine Schedule for Category 6 (violation D)](#fine-schedule-for-category-6-violation-d)
Any OffenseOutcome
Immediate Termination of Data Feed AccessAccess to all MLS data feeds is revoked immediately. No warning. No fine ladder. Access is restored only after a successful staff audit of the platform, and receipt of a signed compliance affidavit.
### [16.3 – Complaint, Enforcement, and Arbitration Procedures](#id-16.3-complaint-enforcement-and-arbitration-procedures) #### [A. MLS Rule Violations (All Participants and Subscribers)](#a.-mls-rule-violations-all-participants-and-subscribers) Violations of MLS rules, including, but not limited to, operational rules, data accuracy requirements, listing input standards, or other compliance obligations set forth in these rules shall be handled administratively by BSCMLS staff and/or the BSCMLS Board of Directors in accordance with policies adopted by the Board. The Respondent shall receive written notice of the alleged violation and any proposed sanction. The Respondent shall have ten (10) days from delivery of this notice to request a hearing before the BSCMLS Board of Directors or its designated committee. “Delivery” means the date the notice is sent to the email address on file (and/or posted in the MLS compliance portal, if applicable). Failure to request a hearing constitutes a waiver of the right to contest the sanction. #### [B. Complaints of Conduct (Ethics)](#b.-complaints-of-conduct-ethics) Complaints alleging a violation of the NAR Code of Ethics shall be referred to the individual's primary local REALTOR® Association and handled exclusively pursuant to that Association's professional standards and arbitration procedures. #### [C. Arbitration](#c.-arbitration) By becoming and remaining a Participant, each Participant agrees to arbitrate disputes involving contractual issues and questions, and specific non-contractual issues and questions defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 of the Code of Ethics with MLS Participants in different firms arising out of their relationships as MLS Participants. Arbitration shall be handled exclusively pursuant to the procedures of the Participant’s Primary Association. #### [D. Complaints of Unauthorized Use of Listing Content](#d.-complaints-of-unauthorized-use-of-listing-content) Complaints alleging the unauthorized use or display of listing content (including photographs, remarks, virtual tours, or documents) shall be handled as follows: {% stepper %} {% step %} The complainant must submit a written complaint to BSCMLS staff identifying the specific content alleged to have been used without authorization and the MLS listing or platform where the unauthorized use appears. {% endstep %} {% step %} Staff will notify the Respondent in writing and request a response within ten (10) business days. {% endstep %} {% step %} If the matter is not resolved between the parties within that window, staff will present the complaint and response to the Board of Directors for determination. {% endstep %} {% step %} The Board’s determination is final unless appealed pursuant to [**Section 16.1.C**](#c.-payment-and-appeals). {% endstep %} {% step %} If the Board determines that listing content was used without authorization, it may order such corrective action, access restriction, suspension, fine, or other discipline as it deems appropriate under the circumstances. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://rulebook.bscmls.com/section-16-mls-policy-and-enforcement.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.