Filing a Complaint with the Department

Investigations are made by the Department of Real Estate's Enforcement Section on the basis of written complaints received from the public. To initiate an investigation, the DRE must determine two things.

That the individuals or companies involved are under the DRE's jurisdiction. The Department has jurisdiction over real estate licensees, subdividers and unlicensed persons who have
performed acts which require a real estate license. See License Status Check to find out if an individual or company is licensed by the DRE.

That the complaint relates to possible violations of the Real Estate Law or Subdivided Lands Law.

What We Can Do

We investigate complaints against real estate brokers and salespersons accused of misleading or defrauding consumers. If we can prove a violation of the Real Estate Licensing Law, a formal hearing may be held which could result in the revocation or suspension of the agent's license.

We investigate complaints against subdividers accused of violating subdivision laws. If we can prove a violation, further sales may be stopped until such time as the violations are corrected.

What We Cannot Do

We cannot act as a court of law, sowe cannot order that monies be refunded, contracts be canceled, damages be awarded, etc. If you have this type of problem, you should consult an attorney.We cannot give legal advice or act as your attorney.

How to File a Complaint

Review Complaint Form Information :(RE 519A)

Complete the Licensee/SubdividerComplaint (RE 519)form.

When Completing the Complaint Form

Provide a written explanation of the exact nature of your complaint.Summarize your complaint in a chronological manner using these guidelines:

1. Tell us what happened. Start from the beginning and describe the events as they occurred. Be specific as to what was said and who said it.
   


2. Tell us who was present during these conversations or acts.
   


3. Tell us when and where these conversations/acts took place.
   


4. Provide names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the events described in your complaint.

Predatory-lending lawsuits on the rise

Homeowners and government officials are taking mortgage lenders to court for unfair lending practices.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- During the housing boom, mortgage lenders were doling out the dough, giving loans to people who could never have qualified before.Now, homeowners and government officials are increasingly taking these institutions to court, alleging unfair and predatory practices. While many of these suits are still winding their way through the legal system, some banks have already settled for millions of dollars.

"Borrowers are looking to the legal system for help in keeping their houses," said Gary Klein, a partner in Boston-based Roddy Klein & Ryan, which focuses on consumer law. "There are more cases pending than I've ever seen in my 23-year career.".Homeowners are seeking the courts' help either individually or as part of class action lawsuits. With foreclosures continuing to rise, borrowers are looking to force banks to modify unaffordable loans or to stop them from foreclosing on homes. Often, they also seek money.

To be sure, banks have faced unfair lending lawsuits for years and have paid millions of dollars in settlements. But the recent housing boom was fueled by questionable and exotic loans that many borrowers had no hope of repaying.Some of the cases involve the classic predatory lending schemes, where certain borrowers were given mortgages with high interest rates, while other suits are combating loans that are ultimately unaffordable.

For Detail Information money.cnn.com.