Addressing Your Concerns
The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) is committed to ensuring that consumers and clients understand the appraisal process and the roles, responsibilities and expectations of a professional appraiser. AIC is a self-regulated designating organization and has established a standards-based Professional Practice model that is responsive, transparent and accountable to the public.
Any concerns regarding the work product or the conduct of a member of AIC can be directed to AIC at 1-888-551-5521 (toll-free) or via email at .
Complaint Resolution Process
The AIC Complaint Resolution Process is focused on maintaining the excellence of the appraisal profession and the services AIC members provide to the public. A complaint must be submitted in writing by completing the Complaint Form included in the Consumer’s Guide to AIC Professional Practice. An AIC complaint investigation focuses on compliance with the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP).
The AIC will not investigate anonymous complaints.
An AIC complaint investigation will not:
- Arbitrate the final opinion of value provided in a report
- Provide an opinion on the final opinion of value presented in a report
- Be a technical review of a report
- Recommend financial compensation
- Order financial compensation to be paid to the complainant
- Review a member’s fees or disbursements
The AIC cannot:
- Act as a court of law,
- Order the refund of monies,
- Award damages,
- Enforce contractual agreements,
- Compel an appraiser to redo their report
- Give legal advice, or
- Arbitrate value.
Depending on the nature of the complaint and the seriousness of the allegations, the AIC investigation may take several months or longer depending on how far through the process the matter proceeds.
The identity of the complainant will be provided to the member.
The complainant will be provided with the findings and any resulting Sanctions relating to the substance of their complaint provided in:
- a Sanction Consent Agreement,
- the final decision reached by an Adjudicating Sub-Committee, or
- the final decision reached by an Appeal Sub-Committee hearing panel
In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, limited information on the progress of an investigation can be provided.
More information about the AIC Complaint Resolution Process can be found in the AIC Complaint Resolution Process Guide.
Professional Practice: Summary of Completed Complaint Files
It is the AIC’s goal to provide as much guidance as possible on the complaint resolution process and with this in mind, the following Professional Practice Case Studies of completed complaint files are presented below.
Note: Every effort has been made to protect the identity of individuals in these summaries. In particular files, however, a Professional Practice deciding body has ordered the publication; in which case, the Member has been named.
2023 CASE SUMMARIES
