Code of Ethics
As a member of the Real Estate Union of the Slovak Republic, we adhere to the Real Estate Code—Integrity / Expertise / Cooperation
PREAMBLE
The Real Estate Code sets forth the fundamental values, principles, standards of conduct, rights, and obligations of members of the REAL ESTATE UNION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC.
TITLE I
REAL ESTATE UNION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
(1) The REAL ESTATE UNION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC, hereinafter also referred to as the “Union,” is an organization that brings together persons active in the real estate market.
(2) The Union’s purpose is to foster cooperation among its members, improve their knowledge and professional standards, contribute to a better business environment, protect consumers, represent Union members, and present their views and positions before the legislature, government authorities, local and professional self-governing bodies, and other entities.
(3) Membership in the Union is voluntary. Any individual or legal entity that meets the specified requirements may become a Member. The conditions and procedures for acquiring and terminating membership, as well as admitting and expelling Members, are governed by the Union’s internal rules.
(4) The Union’s symbol is its emblem. Every Union Member is authorized to use the Union’s emblem. Details are governed by an internal rule.
TITLE II
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Article 1
General Principles and Obligations of a Member
(1) In performing their activities, a Member acts honestly, in accordance with good morals and fair business practices. A Member always acts in their own name or in the name of the business entity they represent. Services must always be provided professionally, conscientiously, and responsibly.
(2) A Member must always conduct themselves in a manner that earns the trust of the client and everyone with whom the Member comes into contact.
(3) A Member is an expert in their field and continually develops their professional expertise.
(4) When providing services, a Member always focuses on achieving the client’s objectives and places the client’s interests ahead of their own.
(5) A Member provides services only in areas in which the Member is professionally qualified and for which the Member holds any authorization required by law. In matters beyond the Member’s professional qualifications, the Member agrees to consult an expert regarding the details of the transaction or to engage an expert directly to assist in resolving the matter.
(6) A Member must always act in a manner that preserves the Union’s good reputation.
(7) In performing their activities, a Member must always act so that their conduct does not cause harm to another Member or other Members of the Union.
(8) A Member is required to comply with the generally applicable laws of the Slovak Republic, as well as the Union’s bylaws and internal rules.
(9) If a legal entity is a Member of the Union, its representative must make every reasonable effort to ensure that persons acting on its behalf observe fairness, expertise, professionalism, and the other principles on which the Union is founded.
Article 2
Obligations of a Member Toward Clients
(1) A Member makes every reasonable effort to provide the client with first-class service through their expertise and approach.
(2) A Member provides the client only with information that is truthful, accurate, and current.
(3) A Member must maintain an appropriate level of discretion when performing their activities. The Member must respect professional confidentiality and, in particular, may not disclose any confidential information obtained from a client, a cooperating Union Member, a partner, or a current or former employer, nor use such information to that person’s detriment without express consent.
(4) A Member treats all clients courteously, fairly, and impartially. In the event of a conflict, the Member seeks the most appropriate solution for the client or clients through an amicable resolution.
(5) A Member is further required to:
(a) inform the client of the scope of services provided and the fee (commission) associated with those services;
(b) keep the client informed of developments in the matter entrusted to the Member;
(c) notify the client without undue delay of all material actions and provide the client with the substance of all important documents received or sent in connection with the client’s transaction;
(d) respond to the client’s inquiries within a reasonable period of time;
(e) exercise due care in handling documents, records, and property entrusted to the Member; protect them from damage, loss, theft, or destruction; and take all necessary measures to prevent access by unauthorized persons;
(f) protect the client’s personal data from misuse, loss, or theft.
(6) If a Member accepts an advance payment from a client toward the Member’s fee, the Member may use it only for the transaction in connection with which the advance was provided.
(7) If a Member receives funds from a client that are not payment for consulting already provided, brokerage services already rendered, or goods delivered, the Member must safeguard those funds, refrain from using them for any purpose inconsistent with the purpose for which they were received, and keep them separate from the Member’s own assets. After each transaction is completed, the Member must provide the client with a proper accounting of the Member’s fee.
(8) If a client submits a complaint regarding a service provided or a payment, the Member must address it promptly and no later than within 30 days. If the complaint is justified, the Member must promptly remedy the situation, eliminate the adverse condition, or provide the client with an appropriate reduction in the service fee. If the complaint is unfounded, the Member must notify the client in writing of the reasons for determining that the complaint was unfounded.
TITLE III
COOPERATION AMONG MEMBERS
Article 1
Principles of Cooperation
(1) Union Members must treat one another fairly and courteously under all circumstances.
(2) Members give preference to cooperation with one another over cooperation with third parties who are not Union Members.
(3) Members make every reasonable effort to prevent potential disagreements, conflicts, or misunderstandings among themselves, their clients, or their representatives.
(4) Every Member must refrain from any action intended or likely to result in taking over another Union Member’s client for the purpose of excluding that Member from the transaction or discouraging the client from working with another Union Member.
(5) Detailed rules governing cooperation among Union Members are set forth in the Union’s internal rules.
TITLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS AND FINAL PROVISIONS
(1) The internal rules define disciplinary violations, sanctions, and the procedures for conducting disciplinary proceedings.
(2) The Code is an internal rule of the Union. The Union’s internal rules are binding on all Union Members. The Union reserves the right to amend, supplement, or repeal this Code by issuing a new code or internal rules, particularly in response to changes in the legislative, economic, business, or technological environment or the needs of Union Members. The Union may implement individual provisions of this Code through internal rules, including directives and resolutions issued by the Union’s governing board.A new version of the Code or an internal rule does not have retroactive effect. Unless the internal rule provides otherwise, it becomes valid and effective on the date it is issued, meaning the date it is published on the Union’s website at www.realitnaunia.sk, and becomes binding on all Union Members as of that date.
(3) If a Member disagrees with an amendment to the Code or an internal rule of the Union, the Member may express that disagreement by delivering written notice to: REALITNÁ ÚNIA SLOVENSKEJ REPUBLIKY, Májkova 3, 811 07 Bratislava, within 15 calendar days after the effective date of the new or amended code or directive.If a Member expresses disagreement within the specified period, the Member’s membership in the Union terminates upon delivery of the notice to the Union, together with all rights and benefits associated with Union membership.
(4) This Code became valid and effective on June 1, 2014.
