Board of Supervision of Estate Agents (Sweden)
The Board of Supervision of Estate Agents (Swedish: Fastighetsmäklarinspektionen, FMI) is a Swedish government agency responsible for the supervision of real estate agents and the real estate agent profession in Sweden. The Board's primary function is to ensure that real estate agents comply with the regulations set forth in the Real Estate Agents Act (Swedish: Fastighetsmäklarlagen).
The Board's responsibilities include:
- Licensing: Granting and revoking licenses for real estate agents. To become a licensed real estate agent in Sweden, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination, and be deemed suitable for the profession.
- Supervision: Monitoring the activities of real estate agents to ensure they are adhering to the law and ethical standards. This includes investigating complaints from clients and other parties.
- Disciplinary Actions: Taking disciplinary action against real estate agents who violate the Real Estate Agents Act. This can include warnings, reprimands, and in severe cases, the revocation of their license.
- Providing Information: Providing information to the public about the rules and regulations governing real estate agents and the real estate market.
- Promoting Professional Standards: Promoting high professional standards among real estate agents.
The Board of Supervision of Estate Agents operates independently within the Swedish legal framework. It is an important component of consumer protection in the Swedish real estate market, aiming to ensure fair and ethical practices by real estate agents. Its decisions can be appealed to administrative courts.