To resolve an issue, many resources are at your disposal
If you meet with an obstacle in the course of a real estate transaction carried out through a broker, rest assured: the Real Estate Brokerage Act provides numerous tools created by the OACIQ to protect you and ensure thorough follow-up of each request for assistance (complaint against a broker or agency, claim, etc.)
Info OACIQ
The Information Centre is the first place to contact to identify and resolve problems that might arise along the way or simply to get information about your transaction.
Public Assistance Department
You want to report a possible violation? Contact the OACIQ Public Assistance Department. It can help you resolve disputes that arise in the course of a transaction involving a broker.
Syndic
When a request concerns allegations of ethical violations requiring investigation, the Assistance Department refers the case to the Office of the Syndic.
Discipline Committee
This Committee hears complaints pertaining to ethical faults committed by brokers or agencies and has the power to impose penalties.
Real estate indemnity fund (FICI)
This Fund offers financial protection to consumers who are victims of fraud, dishonest tactics or misappropriation of funds in the course of a real estate transaction carried out through a broker.
To better understand FICI and FARCIQ
Fonds d’assurance responsabilité professionnelle du courtage immobilier du Québec (FARCIQ)
FARCIQ is responsible, among other things, for compensating consumers for the loss resulting from the fault, error or omission of a real estate broker or agency, where their professional liability is demonstrated.
OACIQ Ombudsman
Any member of the public who believes he or she has been the victim of inappropriate treatment or decision by the OACIQ may contact the Ombudsman when all other remedies have been exhausted.
Monetary administrative penalty (MAP)
A monetary administrative penalty (MAP) is a coercive measure that the OACIQ, as regulator, can use to repress certain technical offences committed by real estate brokers or agencies.