As Ontario’s regulator of real estate services, RECO’s role is to protect consumers by ensuring agents and brokerages understand and follow the law. All prospective real estate agents must complete an accredited real estate education program before they can be considered for registration by RECO. Real estate agents are unable to trade in Ontario unless they are registered with RECO.

RECO previously advised that it was in the final stages of a lengthy investigation into academic misconduct (cheating) related to online exams for compulsory education courses.

RECO can advise that it has filed a proposal to revoke the registration of two agents, along with a suspension order with immediate effect. The individuals have the right to appeal the suspension order with the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).

This step follows RECO’s communication with approximately 90 registrants to advise them that RECO has evidence of academic misconduct, offering them the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide information about their experience and conduct during the exams.

RECO continues to assess the evidence and information provided by individuals suspected of participating in academic misconduct and anticipates that additional regulatory action will be taken.

Cheating is unacceptable, and Ontario consumers and the real estate sector deserve better. Anyone with information to share with RECO about these alleged incidents is encouraged to do so at examinquiry@reco.on.ca.

Joseph Richer
Registrar