Ethics is generally enforced by which entities in real estate?

• A. The government bodies of a profession. In real estate, these are the real estate boards and the provincial associations
• B. Corporate HR departments
• C. The public
• D. International bodies

Answer: (A)

Ethics in real estate are upheld by government‑established, professional regulatory bodies. These bodies—such as the real estate boards and provincial associations—operate under provincial law to set codes of ethics, license practitioners, investigate complaints, and impose sanctions when rules are broken. This framework creates consistent, province‑wide standards and protects consumers in real estate transactions.

Internal corporate HR departments may enforce a company’s own policies, but they don’t set or enforce industry‑wide ethical standards. The public can report concerns, but they don’t have the authority to regulate or discipline licensees. International bodies don’t govern local real estate practice.