In short
It registers professionals, enforces the rules under Ontario's Trust in Real Estate Services Act and handles complaints from the public.
Its job is to protect consumers.
What RECO does
RECO is a delegated administrative authority: the Ontario government has handed it the job of administering the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA). Its mandate is consumer protection.
Anyone trading in real estate in Ontario must be registered with RECO. RECO sets education requirements, runs a mandatory insurance program that includes consumer deposit protection, inspects brokerages and investigates complaints.
How RECO protects buyers and sellers
Before an agent provides services or assistance, they must give you RECO's Information Guide. It explains representation agreements, fees, multiple representation, competing offers and how to complain.
It also explains competing offers. Buyers who make an offer are entitled to know how many competing offers there are, and sellers decide in writing whether any offer details are shared.
A brokerage can't ask you to sign anything that requires you to withdraw a complaint to RECO or stops you from making one.
How to check an agent and make a complaint
RECO's public register shows whether a salesperson, broker or brokerage is registered and any regulatory history.
If something goes wrong, RECO suggests starting with the brokerage's broker of record, listed on the register. You can then file a complaint through RECO's online form. Outcomes range from a resolution or a warning to required education, a discipline hearing with fines of up to $50,000 for agents and $100,000 for brokerages, or prosecution for unregistered trading.
Depending on the outcome, details of regulatory actions may be posted on RECO's website, where RECO keeps enforcement information for at least five years.
What RECO can't do
RECO can't order refunds, cancel contracts or award damages. For money or contract disputes, get legal advice. It also doesn't handle home builders, home inspectors, landlords or disputes between buyers and sellers.
RECO doesn't set or approve commission rates either. Fees are negotiated between you and the brokerage and written into your agreement.
Common questions about RECO
What does RECO do?
RECO regulates real estate agents and brokerages in Ontario on behalf of the provincial government. It registers them, sets education and insurance requirements, inspects brokerages and investigates complaints under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002. Its mandate is protecting consumers.
How do I file a complaint against a real estate agent in Ontario?
Start with the brokerage, then file with RECO if needed. Find the brokerage's broker of record on RECO's public register and raise your concern. If it isn't resolved, submit RECO's online complaint form with your documents. RECO reviews whether it has authority and decides next steps.
Can RECO get my money back?
No, RECO can't order refunds, cancel contracts or award damages. It can discipline agents and brokerages, including fines, education requirements and changes to their registration. If you've lost money or want out of a contract, talk to a lawyer about your options, which may include a civil claim.
How do I check if an agent is registered with RECO?
Use RECO's public register at registrantsearch.reco.on.ca. Search by name or brokerage to confirm registration and see any regulatory history. Only registered agents and brokerages can legally trade in real estate in Ontario, so it's worth checking before you sign an agreement.
Sources
General information for Ontario, updated October 2026. Not legal, tax or mortgage advice. Rules change, so confirm with your lawyer, lender or the source above before you rely on it.