June 16th - 2010

RECO can no longer obtain criminal record checks

To become registered or renew registration with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), applicants not only have to have the appropriate real estate education, they must also be able to prove financial fitness and disclose any criminal charges against them.

To become registered or renew registration with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), applicants not only have to have the appropriate real estate education, they must also be able to prove financial fitness and disclose any criminal charges against them.

RECO, on its website at www.reco.on.ca, has posted a notice that it is no longer able to obtain Canadian criminal record checks on behalf of applicants and registrants. The change is a result of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) notifying RECO that it will no longer provide information about an individual's record of offences or charges without the identity of the applicant being confirmed in person.

RECO says that effective immediately, applicants are required to submit an original Canadian criminal record check, along with their application to RECO.

Affected by this change are the following applicants:

  • new salesperson or broker applicants
  • reinstating salespersons or brokers whose registration has been terminated for more than 60 days
  • registrants who undergo a category change (i.e. from salesperson to broker, or broker to sole proprietor)
  • applicants applying as new officers, directors and shareholders or changes in these positions
  • new sole proprietor applicants, and
  • new brokers of record and branch managers or changes in these positions.

The above individuals will be required to provide an original Canadian criminal record check from their local police service upon submitting their application to RECO. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, RECO may also require a Canadian criminal record check from any registrant or applicant the Registrar deems necessary.

How to obtain a Canadian criminal record check:

  • Canadian criminal record check requests must be made in person. For individuals in Toronto, requests must be made in person at 40 College Street between Monday and Friday from 8 am to 7 pm. All other registrants should contact their local police service for any details on the process to be followed.
  • Bring two pieces of identification to verify your identity. Both forms of identification must confirm your name, date of birth and address, and one piece of identification must include a photo.
  • Complete an application for a Canadian criminal record check. Note: the application forms will vary between police services.
  • Specify your request is for employment services and do not request a vulnerable sector search. This will speed up the processing of your report.
  • Pay the required fee, usually about $30 depending on the police service.
  • Submit your application to RECO along with the original Canadian criminal record check dated within six months of the application submission.
  • If you submit your RECO application without the Canadian criminal record check, RECO will begin processing your application; however, you will need to provide the original Canadian criminal record check before your application can be completed.
  • Only original documents will be accepted. RECO will not accept photocopies of Canadian criminal record checks.

If you have further questions about how to obtain a Canadian criminal record check, please contact your local police.

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Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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