The Role of MLS Charges in Maintaining the MLS Database

Last Modified: August 18, 2026

As you may know, Realcomp, like many other MLSs across the nation, maintains an MLS charge structure for violations in order to ensure MLS Subscribers provide the most accurate, complete, and timely listing data and follow the rules and policies of the MLS.

When Realcomp began as the regional MLS for Southeast Michigan back in 1994, "friendly reminders" did not have the same positive outcome as when charges were issued. Although Realcomp’s goal has never been to assess charges, doing so allows us to steward for you the most accurate, complete, and secure MLS database possible, which benefits all Realcomp Subscribers.

Realcomp makes every effort to educate and inform MLS Subscribers of how to comply with our MLS rules and policies and avoid being charged for violations. However, charges in various amounts continue to be issued on a monthly basis – including a recent charge of $5,000 being assessed to an MLS Subscriber for the unauthorized sharing of a lockbox code.

It is not our intention to make a business of charging for MLS violations. Our business is in delivering and securing real property data Realcomp Subscribers can count on for your business.

For information on how you can avoid charges, please see our past article on 3 tips for avoiding charges.

If you have any questions about these tips, please contact our Customer Care Department at support@realcomp.com or by phone at (866) 553-3430. We’re here to help!

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The Role of MLS Charges in Maintaining the MLS Database