Who Protects You in a Real Estate Deal?
When you buy or sell a home in Ontario, the real estate professionals you deal with answer to a public regulator called RECO — the Real Estate Council of Ontario. Here is a plain-English look at who they are, what they do, and why it matters to you.
What RECO is
The independent body that regulates real estate professionals in Ontario.
RECO stands for the Real Estate Council of Ontario. It is the independent, not-for-profit organization that regulates real estate salespeople, brokers, and brokerages across the province on behalf of the public.
RECO administers the rules that govern real estate professionals under Ontario's real estate legislation — the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA). In everyday terms: if someone is trading in real estate in Ontario, RECO is the body that registers them and sets the standards they must follow. Independent · Ontario-wide
RECO is an independent Ontario regulator. It is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Vaughan Mortgage Group. This page is general information only and is not advice.
What RECO does
The core responsibilities that keep the real estate sector accountable.
Registers real estate salespeople, brokers, and brokerages so only qualified professionals may trade in real estate in Ontario.
Sets and enforces the ethical and professional standards that registrants must meet in their dealings with the public.
Receives and investigates consumer complaints, inspects brokerages, and takes disciplinary action when the rules are broken.
Publishes public resources and guidance so buyers and sellers can make informed, confident decisions.
Administers consumer-protection insurance for registrants — including deposit protection to help safeguard consumer funds.
Why work with a registered real estate professional
Four reasons registration matters when you buy or sell a home.
Registered & accountable
A registered real estate professional (REALTOR®) is registered with RECO and accountable to a public regulator for how they conduct business.
Insured, including deposit protection
Registrants are covered by RECO-administered consumer-protection insurance, which includes deposit protection to help safeguard your funds.
Held to a code of ethics
Registrants must follow a code of ethics and professional standards, with real consequences for misconduct.
Education & background requirements
Registration requires meeting education, background, and ongoing competency requirements before and after they begin practising.
RECO vs FSRA — who does what
Different professionals, different regulators — working side by side in your transaction.
RECO regulates the real estate side of your transaction — the salespeople, brokers, and brokerages who help you buy or sell a property, under TRESA.
If your question is about how a home is listed, shown, negotiated, or the conduct of your real estate agent, that falls under RECO's oversight.
FSRA — the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario — regulates the mortgage side: the mortgage brokerages and agents who arrange your financing.
A mortgage agent (regulated by FSRA) and a real estate professional (regulated by RECO) are different roles with different regulators. The two are complementary — each protects a different part of your purchase. Learn what FSRA does →
How to verify registration
You can confirm any Ontario real estate professional's standing in a few minutes.
Visit RECO's official website and use its public registrant search to look up real estate professionals in Ontario.
Search by name to confirm both the individual salesperson or broker and the brokerage they work for are registered and in good standing.
Related pages
Explore more plain-language resources.
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