Code of Ethics

Submitting an application to join Knox REIA is an acknowledgement and acceptance that you have read and understand – and will abide by – the policies and provisions in our Membership Policies, Code of Ethics, Content Disclaimer, and Terms and Conditions.

Members of Knox REIA must agree to and abide by the following statements and policies:

The ownership and management of real estate is a highly regulated segment of the free enterprise system of the United States of America. As such, the members of the Knox REIA must treat this enterprise with the utmost professionalism.

Knox REIA membership includes each member in an organization of people who are intent on expanding their knowledge of real estate investing and management.  In order to pursue these ends in a legal and ethical manner, all Knox REIA members will be held to a higher standard of ethical behavior. 

This includes, but is not limited to the following enumerated list of behaviors:

  1. Knox REIA members will act professionally as Real Estate Investing and Housing Providers when dealing with tenants, the public, the media, government officials, and all others.
  2. Knox REIA members will not intentionally misrepresent any material fact in their business dealings, including their business dealings with other members.
  3. Knox REIA members will fully disclose their interest in any property and the nature of their interest when dealing with, or engaging in transactions with, other National REIA members.
  4. Knox REIA members will follow through with integrity and good administration, and at all times remain fair in all of their transactions.
  5. Knox REIA members should not knowingly reveal confidential information to the disadvantage of other Knox REIA members.
  6. Knox REIA members should keep themselves informed on matters affecting housing in their community, including local, state, and federal laws. A violation of a local, state or federal law, as determined by the ethics committee, shall be a violation of these rules.
  7. Knox REIA members shall not engage in unprofessional conduct, including, but not limited to:
    1. a departure from or failure to conform to applicable federal, state or local governmental rules or, if no such rule exists, to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing in practice
      conduct likely to deceive, defraud or harm others;
    2. demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for rights of others;
    3. any practice that is contrary to the ethical conduct appropriate to the profession;
    4. Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising or facilitating another in engaging in conduct which, if conducted by the Knox REIA member directly, would constitute a violation of these rules
    5. Engaging in false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading communications to any person regarding the individual’s education, training, credentials, experience or qualifications, or the status of the individual’s state permit, license or registration certificate;
    6. Making a false statement or knowingly providing false information to, or failing to cooperate with any investigation of, the Ethics Committee.
  8. Knox REIA members will be responsible to complete their own due diligence in all business dealings.  Members are expected to verify any and all assumptions regarding business decisions to prevent falling victim to fraud, misrepresentations and illegal practices.
  9. Knox REIA members will not falsely malign, disparage, slander or in any other way adversely affect the reputation of other Knox REIA members. Nothing herein prevents the Knox REIA member from truthfully communicating issues or pursuing disputes with other members.   

A Knox REIA member(s) who wants the Association to take action against another member for what they perceive to be unethical behavior as defined in this document must present their case and evidence of unethical behavior to the President, in writing, for review.

The President will refer the issue to the Ethics Committee, consisting of three (3) persons appointed by the President from the general membership who will serve on the Ethics Committee.

The Ethics Committee shall be chaired by the President, unless the President designates someone else to act as chair and unless the President is directly involved.

The Chair of the Ethics Committee shall review each alleged violation of the Rules of Ethics that is brought to the attention of the Ethics Committee.

If in the sole discretion of the Chair there is insufficient information upon which to base a charge of a violation of the Rules of Ethics, or the allegations against the member are patently frivolous or inconsequential, or the allegations if true would not constitute a violation of the Rules of Ethics, the Chair may summarily dismiss the matter.

The Chair shall report each such summary dismissal to the Ethics Committee.

The Ethics Committee is responsible for investigating each alleged breach of the Rules of Ethics and determining whether a member has failed to observe the Rules of Ethics in the Standards, and determining an appropriate sanction; and periodically assessing the Code of Ethics and recommending any amendments.

The Ethics Committee will investigate and review the allegations, conduct hearings or engage in any evidentiary proceeding it deems as necessary to fully dispose of the complaint.

The Ethics Committee will submit their findings and make a decision within 30 days.

The Ethics Committee may levy fines, suspend membership or expel members who do not conform to the requirements of these rules.

If you have any questions or concerns about our Code of Ethics, you may contact Knox REIA by using the Contact Us page, by emailing hello@knoxreia.com, or by calling us at (865)314-REIA (7342).

Scroll to Top