The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

Real estate brokers and agents must comply with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA. Violators of RESPA may receive harsh penalties, including triple damages, fines, and even imprisonment. While the enforcement of RESPA by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, has been dormant in the past, HUD has stepped up its efforts in this area in the past 18 months. HUD hired new staff and entered into a contract with an investigation firm in Arlington, Virginia to conduct on-site reviews to monitor comformity with RESPA. Now, more than ever, real estate brokers and agents must ensure they are complying with RESPA.

To download a copy of the Dos and Don'ts for Real Estate Brokers and Agents or to visit HUD's RESPA website that contains up-to-date information on RESPA, click on one of the links below.

RESPA: Dos and Don'ts for Real Estate Brokers and Agents (pdf document)

To go directly to the RESPA section of HUD's website, click on the link below:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/res/respa_hm.cfm


FILING A RESPA COMPLAINT

Persons who believe a settlement service provider has violated RESPA in an area in which the Department has enforcement authority, may wish to file a complaint. The complaint should outline the violation and identify the violators by name, address and phone number. Complainants should also provide their own name and phone number for follow up questions from HUD. Requests for confidentialty will be honored. Complaints should be sent to:

Director, Office of RESPA and Interstate Land Sales
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Room 9154
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410