Filing a Complaint with the Utah Division of Real Estate

Who Can File a Complaint & What Issues Can Be Reported

Anyone – whether you are a licensed real estate professional (agent, broker, appraiser, etc.) or a member of the public (client/customer) – can file a complaint with the Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE)​ (professionallicensedefensellc.com). The DRE is the state regulatory authority that oversees a variety of real estate-related professions in Utah, including:

• Real estate brokers and agents (licensed sales agents and brokers)​(realestate.utah.gov)
• Real estate developers/salespeople for subdivisions, timeshares, and camp resorts​ (realestate.utah.gov)
• Appraisers and Appraisal Management Companies​ (realestate.utah.gov)
• Residential mortgage lenders and brokers (mortgage loan originators and lending managers, for first-lien residential mortgages)​ (realestate.utah.gov)

Because the DRE’s role is to protect the public and ensure licensee compliance with Utah law, it accepts complaints about potential violations of real estate licensing laws and regulations​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). This means you can report conduct by a licensee that you believe is illegal, unethical, or in breach of Utah’s real estate, appraisal, or mortgage regulations. Examples of issues that can be reported include:

• Misrepresentation or fraud in a real estate or mortgage transaction (e.g. an agent or lender providing false information)
• Breach of fiduciary duty or unethical conduct by a real estate agent or broker (such as failing to disclose conflicts of interest or dual agency without consent)
• Mishandling of client funds or trust accounts (for example, earnest money deposit issues or an agent commingling funds)
• Unauthorized practice or license law violations – e.g. an unlicensed person performing activities that require a license, or a licensee operating outside the scope of their license
• Appraisal violations like a real estate appraiser providing a biased or fraudulent appraisal, or not following required appraisal standards
• Mortgage law violations by a DRE-licensed mortgage broker or lender (such as predatory lending practices on a first mortgage)

When you submit a complaint, it should allege unlawful or rule-breaking conduct by a person or company under the DRE’s jurisdiction. The Division explicitly states that it “collects complaints about alleged unlawful conduct under the laws we enforce or administer,” and such complaints help the agency detect patterns of wrongdoing and take enforcement action​ (realestate.utah.gov).

Note: Your complaint will typically be shared with the person or business you are complaining about (the “respondent”). The DRE will provide the details of your allegations to them so they can respond to the issues​ (professionallicensedefensellc.com). This means complaints are not confidential – be prepared for the subject of your complaint to know about it. (The Division may accept anonymous complaints, but warns that it may not be able to act on them if you don’t provide contact information or evidence​ (realestate.utah.gov.))

Issues Outside DRE’s Scope: It’s important to understand that not all real-estate-related disputes can be handled by the DRE. The Division’s authority is limited to professional licensing matters. For example, the DRE does not intervene in: landlord/tenant disputes, contract disputes between private parties, homeowner association (HOA) complaints, or monetary damage claims in a transaction​ (realestate.utah.gov).

It also will not enforce civil matters like contract breaches or award you money – if you feel you are owed money or suffered damages, you may need to pursue a civil lawsuit separately (consult an attorney for those issues) (​realestate.utah.gov). The DRE also doesn’t mediate personal conflicts or act as your private attorney.

Furthermore, certain industries that seem related are regulated by other agencies. For instance, the Utah DRE’s oversight of mortgage lenders is limited to residential first mortgages (loan origination for home mortgages). It does not regulate banks, credit unions, or second mortgage/loan servicing companies – those are handled by the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (realestate.utah.gov).

Similarly, hotel nightly rentals or short-term lodging providers are not under DRE jurisdiction. If you send a complaint on a matter outside the DRE’s purview, the Division will likely inform you that it cannot take action on it and may direct you to the appropriate agency or suggest legal counsel.

In summary, focus your complaint on violations of real estate, appraiser, or mortgage licensing laws/rules by the professionals the DRE licenses. Your action in filing a complaint is valuable: the Division uses these complaints to identify wrongdoing and enforce the law​ (realestate.utah.gov), which helps protect the public and maintain trust in the industry.

Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Complaint

Filing a complaint with the Utah DRE involves filling out an official complaint form (or using the online portal) and providing supporting details/documentation. Below are the step-by-step instructions for agents, clients, or any member of the public to submit a complaint:

1. Verify the Issue and Gather Information: Before starting, make sure the problem falls under the DRE’s jurisdiction (as explained above). If it involves a licensed real estate agent, broker, appraiser, mortgage lender, or related professional, you’re in the right place. Gather all relevant information about your situation. This includes the names of the people or companies involved (and their license number if you know it, though not required), the address of the property or transaction in question, and important dates (for example, when events occurred, when contracts were signed, etc.). Also gather any documents or evidence related to your complaint, such as contracts, agreements, emails, text messages, advertisements, or disclosures. Having these details on hand will help you complete the complaint form accurately.
2. Access the Official Complaint Form or Portal: Visit the Utah Division of Real Estate’s website and navigate to the “Submit a Complaint” page. On that page, the Division provides a couple of options for filing:
   • Online Portal: You can click the “File a Complaint” button on the DRE website to begin the online complaint submission process (realestate.utah.gov). This will take you to the DRE’s online complaint form where you can input information and upload documents electronically. Using the online system is often the fastest way to have your complaint received. (If you have trouble with the online form, you may need to use a compatible browser or ensure pop-ups are enabled, as it’s a state services portal.)
   • PDF Form (Paper/E-mail option): Alternatively, the DRE offers a Complaint Form (PDF) that you can download, fill out, and then mail or email to the Division​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). The PDF form is a two-page document where you will manually enter all the details of your complaint. You can find this form on the DRE website (often linked on the “Submit a Complaint” page or in their forms section). It’s titled “Complaint Form” and is the official document for filing a complaint. Make sure you have the latest version of the form (the DRE updated it as recently as 2023).
3. Fill Out Your Information and the Details of Your Complaint: Whether you use the online portal or the PDF form, you will need to provide detailed information about yourself and the complaint:
   • Complainant Information: Provide your name, address, phone number, and email on the form (​realestate.utah.gov). This is your contact information so the Division can reach you. (You may file on behalf of an organization or trust, but generally, it’s filed by an individual – in any case, include a point of contact.)
   • Party Being Complained About: Provide the name of the individual and/or business you are filing a complaint against (this could be the real estate agent’s name and brokerage, the appraiser’s name/company, the mortgage company, etc.) along with any contact info you have for them​(realestate.utah.gov). If it’s a real estate agent or broker, include the brokerage name if known. For an appraiser, list their name and company. The form may have a field for “Name of business and/or individual” – fill that out with who the complaint is against.
   • Property or Transaction Details: If your complaint involves a specific property or transaction, list the property address (or loan number, etc.) in question​ (realestate.utah.gov). For example, if you’re complaining about a home sale or purchase, include the property address. If it’s regarding a loan, you might include loan details or property address for the loan. This helps the investigator contextualize the complaint.
   • Previous Actions: The form will ask if you have submitted this matter to another agency, arbitrator, or if there are any ongoing lawsuits related to it​(realestate.utah.gov). Answer this honestly (Yes/No and details if yes). This is to identify if other authorities are already involved or if there’s parallel legal action.
   • Summary of Complaint: This is the most important part – the written narrative of what happened. In the space provided (or the text boxes in the online form), clearly and concisely describe the complaint. Explain what the licensee did (or failed to do) that you believe violates the law or rules. Include key facts such as dates, locations, and names of people involved. It’s also helpful to describe what you have done so far to attempt to resolve the problem (for instance, did you talk to the agent’s broker or ask the appraiser for an explanation?) and the outcome of those efforts. Essentially, tell the story of the issue, sticking to factual details. The DRE recommends not simply writing “see attached” and leaving it at that – you should write out a summary on the form itself (you can add additional pages if the space isn’t enough) to ensure the reviewers see your full narrative. Be as specific as possible about how you believe the law or rules were violated. Remember, the people reviewing this may not know anything about your situation until you explain it.
4. Attach Supporting Documentation: Along with your written complaint, you should submit evidence to back up your allegations. The DRE requires supporting documentation that “validat[es] the allegations” in order to investigate​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). In practical terms, this means gather copies of any relevant documents and include them with your complaint. Some examples of documents could be:Do not send originals of precious documents – send copies. If you’re filing online, you will be able to upload these files (commonly in PDF or image format). If you’re filing by mail, make photocopies to include with your form. The Division explicitly says to attach copies (not originals) of any documents related to your complaint, as materials submitted will not be returned to you​(realestate.utah.gov). Ensure your documents are organized and labeled if possible. For example, you might label attachments as “Exhibit A – Purchase Contract,” “Exhibit B – Email from Agent on 01/05/2025,” etc., to make it easy to reference them in your written summary. Including strong documentation will greatly assist the DRE in understanding and verifying your claims​(professionallicensedefensellc.com).
   • Contracts or agreements (listing agreements, buyer agency agreements, purchase contracts, closing statements, etc.)
   • Correspondence (emails, text messages, letters) that show communications between you and the agent/broker or other parties
   • Property disclosures, inspection reports, appraisals, or loan documents related to the issue
   • Advertisements, MLS printouts, or marketing materials if your complaint involves misleading advertising or info
   • Any other records that support what you are saying (for instance, if an agent promised something in writing or an appraiser provided a report with errors, include those writings or reports).
5. Submit the Complaint to the DRE: Once your form is complete and you have your attachments ready, it’s time to formally submit the complaint.
   • Online Submission: If you are using the online portal, follow the prompts to upload any attachments (there will be an option to add documents). Double-check that you’ve filled in all required fields on the web form. When everything is ready, submit the complaint through the website. The “File a Complaint” online system will send your information directly to the Division for review (realestate.utah.gov). You may receive an on-screen confirmation or an email confirmation after submission (if the system provides one). It’s a good idea to save any confirmation number or screenshot in case you need to follow up.
   • By Email: If you filled out the PDF form and have your documentation in electronic form, you can email the whole packet to the Division. The DRE’s email address for complaints is realestate@utah.gov​ (realestate.utah.gov). Attach your completed complaint form PDF and scanned copies (or electronic files) of your evidence to your email, and send it. In your email, you might include a brief cover note (e.g., “Please find attached a complaint against John Doe, license #XXXXX, and supporting documents.”).
   • By Mail or In Person: You can also print the completed form and mail it with photocopies of your documents. Mail or deliver it to the DRE’s office at the address listed on the form. The address is:
     Utah Division of Real Estate
     Heber M. Wells Building, 2nd Floor
     160 East 300 South
     PO Box 146711
     Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6711​ (realestate.utah.gov).If mailing, it’s wise to use a method with delivery tracking (and keep a copy of everything you send). You can also fax the complaint form to the number on the form (Fax: 801-526-4348) (​realestate.utah.gov), but emailing or online submission is generally faster and more reliable. If you happen to be in Salt Lake City, you could even drop off the paperwork in person at the DRE office during business hours. Any way you submit, remember to include all your attachments. The DRE emphasizes that you should “submit all necessary supporting documentation with your complaint”​ (realestate.utah.gov) to avoid delays.
6. Keep Records and Confirmation: Save a copy of your entire complaint package for your own records (if online, save the text you wrote and the files you uploaded; if by mail/email, keep copies of what you sent). It’s also helpful to note the date you filed the complaint. After submission, the DRE should treat the matter as officially filed. If you mailed it, you might get a letter or email confirming receipt. If you filed online or via email, you may get an automated confirmation or a reply. If you don’t hear anything in a couple of weeks, you can call the DRE to confirm they received your complaint.
7. What Happens Next (Initial Acknowledgment): Filing the complaint is the first step – after that, the Division will review and act on it through their processes (detailed in the next section). In general, once your complaint is received and logged, it will be reviewed and assigned to an investigator if it’s within DRE’s jurisdiction (professionallicensedefensellc.com). The DRE has stated that an investigator will contact you (the Complainant) within about 10 days of the case being assigned​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). This initial contact is often by email or phone, and the investigator will introduce themselves, confirm they are handling your case, and provide their contact information. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions about the process and to provide any additional information the investigator might request. (If you don’t hear from an investigator within a reasonable time – keep in mind it might take a couple of weeks for assignment – you can reach out to the DRE to inquire about the status.)

Following these steps will ensure that your complaint is properly submitted and contains the necessary information for the Division of Real Estate to begin looking into the matter. In summary: fill out the official complaint form with details, attach copies of evidence, and submit it through the DRE’s online portal or by sending it to their office. The process is essentially the same for a real estate agent filing a complaint or a client filing a complaint – both use the same forms and procedures to report issues.

How Complaints Are Reviewed and Investigated

Once your complaint is filed with the Utah Division of Real Estate, it goes through a multi-stage review and investigation process within the Division. Here’s what to expect after submission:

• Initial Screening: The Division will first review the complaint to make sure it falls under their jurisdiction and that the information provided is sufficient to proceed. All complaints are screened by the DRE before being assigned to an investigator​ (professionallicensedefensellc.com). At this stage, if something important is missing, the DRE might reach out to you for clarification or additional info. If the complaint clearly involves an issue outside their authority (for example, a pure contractual dispute or an HOA issue), they may close it at this stage and inform you why. Assuming the complaint does allege conduct that could violate real estate/appraisal/mortgage laws, it will move forward.
• Assignment to an Investigator: After the initial review, the Division assigns an Investigator (a staff investigator or enforcement officer at the DRE) to handle the case​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). The investigator is the person responsible for fact-finding and gathering evidence regarding your complaint. The DRE has stated that the investigator will get in touch with the complainant within about 10 days of the assignment​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). So, typically within a week or two of your submission, you should receive a phone call or email from the investigator introducing themselves. They will provide you with their name and contact information and will be your point of contact going forward. In some cases, the investigator might have a few initial questions or may set up a time to interview you (especially if something needs further explanation). They may also confirm they received all your documents or ask if you have anything additional to share. This initial contact is generally to acknowledge the complaint and let you know it’s being looked into.
• Notice to the Respondent: One of the investigator’s first actions is usually to notify the person or company you complained about (the Respondent) that a complaint has been filed against them. Typically, the investigator will send the respondent a copy of your complaint (your written narrative and any key details) so that they understand the allegations​(blog.commerce.utah.gov). Along with that, the investigator will usually request a written response from the respondent addressing the allegations. For example, if you accused an agent of making misrepresentations, the agent will be asked to explain their side of the story in writing. The investigator will also ask the respondent to provide relevant documents or records from their files. In a real estate transaction case, they often request the agent’s transaction file for the property (which would include the contract, emails, notes, disclosure forms, etc. that the agent kept for that deal)​(blog.commerce.utah.gov). The Utah DRE indicates that the respondent is generally given 10 business days to respond with the requested documentation and their statement​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov). This is a deadline for the licensee to comply with the investigation’s document request.
• Evidence Gathering and Investigation: With the respondent’s materials in hand, the investigator will proceed to gather all pertinent evidence and interview relevant parties. The investigator essentially pieces together what happened by reviewing documents, communications, and testimony from you, the respondent, and possibly third parties. This fact-finding phase can include:This investigative process can take some time – it might be weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and how much cooperation they get from the respondent and other sources. During this time, you as the complainant may occasionally be asked for more information or to clarify something. Otherwise, you might not hear much until the investigation is completed (which is normal, but you can always reach out to the investigator for a status update).
  • Interviews or statements: The investigator may interview you (the complainant) to get more detail or clarify information. They may also interview the respondent (sometimes in person, sometimes by phone or written interrogatories) and any witnesses or other people involved. In some cases, the investigator might meet with parties face-to-face to take statements​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov).
  • Document review: All the documentation you provided and the respondent provided will be reviewed carefully. The investigator might also request records from other sources. For example, they could obtain title company records, bank records, mortgage files, MLS records, or public documents that are relevant (​blog.commerce.utah.gov). They have authority to seek additional evidence that could shed light on the case.
  • Field work: If necessary, the investigator might conduct site visits or field visits (for instance, visiting a property or an office) to gather information​(blog.commerce.utah.gov). For an appraisal complaint, the investigator might review the appraisal report and perhaps even visit the property or compare it to data. For a mortgage complaint, they might get loan documents or credit files. Essentially, the investigator is trying to verify facts and document any violations.
• Investigator’s Report and Recommendation: After gathering all the evidence, the investigator will analyze the information in light of Utah’s laws and regulations. The investigator will then compile an investigative report. This report will summarize the facts, evidence, and witness statements, and it will state whether the investigator believes there were violations of the law or rules by the licensee. The evidence is evaluated objectively, and the investigator may note any factors that either vindicate the licensee or any factors that aggravate the situation or mitigate it​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov)​. In other words, the investigator weighs the proof to see if a violation likely occurred. The report will identify any possible violations of specific statutes or rules that the investigator thinks happened​ (blog.commerce.utah.gov) (for example, a violation of Utah Code Section X or an administrative rule about advertising, etc.). This report then goes through an internal review within the Division’s enforcement unit. Often, a Lead Investigator or a supervisor will review the case report.
  • No Violation Found – Case Closure: If the investigator (and their supervisor/lead) conclude that no violations can be substantiated (meaning the agent/appraiser did not actually break the law or there’s not enough evidence of a violation), or perhaps if only a very minor infraction occurred that doesn’t warrant disciplinary action, the Division can decide to close the case at this point. The investigator may still prepare a report, but it would say that no action is recommended. The Lead Investigator and the Division Director review such recommendations. If they agree that there’s no cause for disciplinary action, they will approve closing the case​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. In some instances, the Division might issue a warning or advisory letter to the licensee if there was a concern that didn’t rise to a formal violation – but as the blog notes, if no apparent violations are found (and thus no warning letter is even needed), the case is simply closed ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. Once the Division’s Director approves closing a case, the investigator will notify both you (the complainant) and the respondent that the case is closed with no action​blog.commerce.utah.gov. You would typically get a letter or email stating that after review, the Division did not find a violation or sufficient evidence to take action. This concludes the matter from the DRE’s perspective (though you might still have civil options if you wanted to pursue them separately).
  • Violation Found – Disciplinary Action Initiated: If the investigation finds probable violations of law or rules, the case moves into an enforcement phase for possible disciplinary action​blog.commerce.utah.gov. In this scenario, the investigator (and Chief Investigator or enforcement attorneys) have determined that the evidence suggests the licensee did break the rules. The Division will then prepare a formal notification to the licensee, often called a “Findings Letter” or notice of agency action ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. This letter will outline the results of the investigation, including what laws or rules appear to have been violated, and it usually will propose certain penalties or sanctions as a result​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. Common sanctions could include things like fines, required additional education, probation, suspension, or revocation of the license, depending on severity. At this point, the licensee (respondent) is given an opportunity to respond to the Division’s findings and decide how they want to proceed. The respondent generally has 10 days from the notice to choose one of two paths: accept a settlement (stipulation) or request a disciplinary hearing​blog.commerce.utah.gov.
• Settlement vs. Hearing (Licensee’s Choice): When violations are found, Utah’s process allows the respondent to either negotiate a settlement (called a Stipulation) or to fight the allegations in a formal hearing. Here’s how those work:
  • Settlement by Stipulation: In many cases, the licensee may choose to work out a settlement with the Division rather than go through a hearing. A “stipulation” is basically an agreement in which the licensee agrees not to contest the violations and accepts certain penalties. The Division’s enforcement attorneys (often an Assistant Attorney General or a Division staff attorney/analyst) will draft the stipulation document, which outlines the facts, the violations, and the agreed-upon penalty​blog.commerce.utah.gov. This settlement has to be approved by the relevant professional board or commission before it becomes final. For example, if it’s a real estate agent, the Real Estate Commission must review the stipulation; if it’s an appraiser, the Appraiser Board reviews it; if it’s a mortgage licensee, the Mortgage Commission reviews it. The Commission/Board can choose to approve or reject the proposed settlement​blog.commerce.utah.gov. (They usually approve it if it seems fair and appropriate.) If the Commission/Board approves, the Division’s Director will likely finalize it, and the licensee is then officially disciplined according to the agreement. The licensee will be notified and given instructions on complying with any penalties (such as how to pay a fine or complete required education, etc.) ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. This resolution avoids a contested hearing and is typically faster.
  • Formal Hearing: If the licensee disputes the allegations or doesn’t agree with the proposed penalties, they can request a formal administrative hearing. This hearing will take place in front of the appropriate Commission or Board that oversees that license type (Real Estate Commission, Mortgage Commission, or Appraiser Board, as applicable)​blog.commerce.utah.gov​. The hearing is like a trial but somewhat less formal. The Division will be represented by an attorney (often an Assistant Attorney General), and they will present the evidence gathered in the investigation to the Commission/Board ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. The licensee (now effectively the defendant in this proceeding) can present their defense, offer their own evidence, and may have legal counsel represent them as well​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. The Commission or Board acts as the jury/judge – they will listen to both sides during the hearing, and then they will make a decision whether the Division has proven the violations. After the hearing, the Commission/Board will issue a written order with their findings and any disciplinary action to be taken ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. The licensee (and you as the complainant) will be notified of the decision once it’s made official. If either side disagrees with the outcome, there may be appeal rights through the courts, but at the agency level the Commission/Board’s decision is typically final.
• Final Resolution and Possible Further Action: Once either a stipulation is agreed to or a hearing decision is handed down, the DRE case is resolved. The Division will ensure any penalties are carried out (for example, verifying fines are paid or a license is suspended in the system). As the complainant, you will usually be informed that the case has been resolved and the nature of the resolution (in general terms). Note that while the DRE can discipline a license (e.g., revoke a real estate agent’s license or impose a fine), the DRE cannot award you damages or force the licensee to pay you money – it’s not a court. Its role is protection of the public through licensing enforcement, not compensation of victims (any money issues would be separate civil matters). One additional thing to be aware of: if during the investigation the Division uncovers evidence of criminal activity (for example, outright fraud, theft, forgery, etc.), the Division can refer the matter to the Utah Attorney General’s Office or other law enforcement for criminal investigation​blog.commerce.utah.gov. The DRE noted that after resolving a case, they could refer it to the AG’s office if there appears to be possible criminal conduct involved ​blog.commerce.utah.gov. This would be a separate track – a criminal case handled by prosecutors – and is outside the DRE’s administrative process, but it can happen in serious cases.
• Timeline: The investigation and enforcement process can be lengthy. The DRE has indicated that investigations can take months or even years in some cases, especially if the issues are complex​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. They are careful and deliberate in gathering evidence and following due process. So, after you file a complaint, do not expect an immediate resolution – it will require patience. You are free to check in on the status with the investigator, but understand that these things take time as the Division wants to ensure a thorough and fair process for all parties. The Division appreciates the public’s patience and emphasizes that the “lifecycle of a complaint” involves careful consideration at each step ​blog.commerce.utah.gov.

In summary, once you file a complaint, the DRE will investigate the allegations, give the licensee a chance to respond, and determine if any laws were violated. If no violation is found, the case is closed with no action (and you’ll be informed). If a violation is found, the licensee will face disciplinary proceedings, which could result in a settlement or a hearing, and ultimately possible sanctions on their professional license. Throughout the process, DRE officials (investigators, attorneys, and the Real Estate Commission or other relevant board) handle the matter – you as the complainant typically won’t need to do anything except provide information and wait for the outcome, though you may be called as a witness if there is a hearing. The process is essentially the same whether the complaint came from a client or from a fellow licensee; the key is whether a violation of law can be established based on the evidence blog.commerce.utah.gov.

Differences for Real Estate Agents, Brokers, Appraisers, and Other Professionals

The complaint submission process is the same for all professions regulated by the Utah Division of Real Estate – there isn’t a separate form or portal for agents vs. appraisers vs. others. Both licensed individuals and consumers use the same complaint form and procedure to file a complaint about any licensee under the DRE. However, there are some differences in how the complaint may be processed internally depending on the type of professional involved, especially when it comes to disciplinary actions. The DRE encompasses multiple industries, each with its own regulatory board or commission:

• Real Estate Agents and Brokers: Complaints against licensed real estate sales agents or brokers (this also includes related license types like brokerage branch managers, and likely extends to timeshare and subdivision salespeople since they fall under real estate licensing) will ultimately be handled with oversight by the Utah Real Estate Commission. The Real Estate Commission is the official body that reviews disciplinary cases for real estate licensees. So if your complaint is about a Realtor® or real estate broker, and it goes to a hearing or stipulation, the Real Estate Commission will be the ones to approve settlements or conduct the hearing and determine discipline​blog.commerce.utah.gov.
• Mortgage Lenders and Brokers: Complaints against state-licensed residential mortgage loan originators, principal lending managers, or mortgage brokers are handled under the purview of the Utah Residential Mortgage Commission (often simply called the Mortgage Commission). This commission performs a similar role for mortgage licensees as the Real Estate Commission does for agents. So, if you file a complaint about a mortgage officer or company (regarding, say, a loan origination issue under DRE’s first mortgage jurisdiction), any disciplinary hearing would be in front of the Mortgage Commission​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. The process of investigation is the same, but the ultimate decision-makers in a contested case would be the Mortgage Commission members.
• Appraisers and Appraisal Management Companies: Complaints involving licensed or certified real estate appraisers (or appraisal management companies) fall under the Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (often referred to as the Appraiser Board). This Board handles the appraisal industry’s licensing issues. Thus, a complaint about an appraiser’s misconduct or appraisal fraud will be investigated by the DRE’s appraiser investigators, and if action is taken, the case might be presented to the Appraiser Board for a hearing or for approval of a settlement​ blog.commerce.utah.gov.
• Other License Types: The DRE also licenses timeshare sales agents and certain land developers (subdivision sales). These are less common, but complaints about those would likely be treated similarly to real estate agent complaints (with the Real Estate Commission being involved) since they are under the real estate licensing law. The DRE also registers Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) – complaints about an AMC would be handled in the appraisal enforcement section (likely with the Appraiser Board oversight as well). In any case, you do not need to figure out which board handles it when you file; the Division will route your complaint internally to the correct section. You just file with the DRE, and they take it from there.

In essence, the main distinction for different professions is which professional board or commission will ultimately review the case or impose discipline, not a difference in how you file the complaint. The enforcement standards are all about whether that professional violated their respective laws or rules. For example, if an agent and an appraiser were both involved in a problematic transaction, the DRE could investigate both; an investigator (or multiple investigators) may coordinate on the case. The real estate agent’s issues might go to the Real Estate Commission, while the appraiser’s issues go to the Appraiser Board. But from your perspective as the complainant, you just file the complaint and the Division’s staff will ensure it’s handled by the appropriate regulatory body. The Utah DRE specifically notes that after an investigation, a licensee who is found in violation will have a hearing in front of “the Real Estate Commission, Mortgage Commission, or Appraiser Board,” depending on their license type​ blog.commerce.utah.gov. So those are the three main avenues within the DRE’s disciplinary system.

One more note: Real Estate Agents vs. REALTORS®. Many real estate agents in Utah are members of the Utah Association of REALTORS® (UAR) and therefore also bound by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The Utah Division of Real Estate handles violations of laws and regulations (licensing law), whereas the Realtor association handles ethics code violations. If you are an agent or client wondering where to file a complaint, remember that ethical grievances (like a courtesy or professionalism issue that might violate the Realtor Code of Ethics, but not necessarily a law) can be filed with the local Realtor association’s professional standards committee.

However, anything that is a licensing law issue (unlawful conduct) should be filed with the DRE​ utahrealtors.com. The UAR’s ethics page even directs: “Submit complaints about real estate licensing issues to the Utah Division of Real Estate.”​ utahrealtors.com. In some situations, an issue could violate both the law and the Code of Ethics – in that case, you might end up with parallel proceedings (one at DRE, one at the Realtor association). But for the purpose of this question, focus on the Division of Real Estate’s process as we have described.

The key takeaway is that licensed agents and brokers follow the same DRE complaint process as clients do – being a licensee does not give you a special process at the DRE, nor does it shield you from one. All complaints go into the same system.

Contact Information and Filing Resources

If you need to file a complaint or contact the Utah Division of Real Estate for help, here are the essential details and resources:

• Utah DRE Online Complaint Portal: The Division’s online system for filing complaints can be accessed via the official website. Go to realestate.utah.gov and find the “Submit a Complaint” section, then click the “File a Complaint” button to start the process ​realestate.utah.gov. (Direct link: The portal is hosted at a services.realestate.utah.gov address, but the easiest path is through the Division’s website navigation). This online portal is available 24/7 for you to submit your information and documents.
• Complaint Form (PDF): If you prefer not to use the online form, download the Complaint Form from the DRE website (available in PDF format)​blog.commerce.utah.gov. You can usually find this on the Forms or Complaint page of the site. The form can be filled out electronically (it’s a fillable PDF) or printed and filled by hand. Once completed, you can send it in via email, mail, fax, or hand-delivery.
• Email for Complaints: The DRE accepts complaint submissions and correspondence via email. Send your complaint form and attachments to: realestate@utah.gov​ realestate.utah.gov. In the subject line, you might write “Complaint – [Name of Licensee]” for clarity. This is the official email address listed on the complaint form for submitting complaints.
• Mailing Address: You can mail complaint materials or any correspondence to the Division’s office. The address (which is also on the complaint form) is:
  Utah Division of Real Estate
  160 East 300 South, 2nd Floor
  PO Box 146711
  Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6711 ​realestate.utah.gov.
  (The street address is for the Heber M. Wells Building in downtown Salt Lake City, and the PO Box is the mailing address; either should reach the DRE.) If you are mailing a complaint, consider using certified mail or another tracking method to ensure it arrives.
• Fax: The Division’s fax number, for those who need it, is (801) 526-4348​realestate.utah.gov. You can fax the complaint form and documents, but if they are numerous, fax might be less ideal than email or online upload. Always keep a copy of what you fax and a confirmation sheet.
• Phone Contact: If you have questions about the process or need assistance (for example, if you have trouble accessing the online form or aren’t sure about jurisdiction), you can call the Utah Division of Real Estate at (801) 530-6747​ realestate.utah.gov. This is the main phone line for the DRE. Note: While staff can answer questions and guide you on procedure, they cannot take an official complaint by phone – the complaint must be in writing (online or form) for the Division to act on it. Phone hours are typically normal business hours (Mountain Time). The staff can explain the process, send you a form, or answer general questions, but they won’t be able to give legal advice or tell you exactly what to write.
• Website Resources: The DRE’s official website (realestate.utah.gov) has additional information under sections like “Enforcement” or “Frequently Asked Questions.” It also has links to the laws and rules (if you’re curious which specific regulations might apply to your situation). You can also find newsletters or public disciplinary actions posted on the site, which might give insight into the types of issues they discipline. The site’s “Contact Us” page​blog.commerce.utah.gov lists contact information and even a live chat feature during business hours if available.
• In-Person: The Division’s office is open to the public if you needed to drop off documents or speak to someone in person. The address is the same 160 E 300 S location in Salt Lake City. It’s often wise to call ahead and make sure someone is available if you need to meet with a specific investigator or staff member.

Keep these details handy if you are preparing to file a complaint. The Utah DRE encourages the public to come forward with complaints about wrongdoing, as it’s a key way they learn about issues in the industry​ realestate.utah.gov. Just ensure you follow their process by submitting the proper form and information so that your complaint can be processed efficiently.

Both real estate professionals and consumers have access to these channels to report problems – the process is designed to be accessible to everyone. By following the steps and tips above, you can file a complaint with the Utah Division of Real Estate and know what to expect as it moves through the review and investigation stages.