CRMLS to establish MLS Cooperation Legal Defense Fund in response to threats of anti-competitive practices
CHINO HILLS, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After reviewing Compass, Inc.’s September 8, 2026, letter demanding that CRMLS not enforce rules governing submitting properties that are listed for sale for cooperation, CRMLS rejects their demands to allow for what it views as Compass’s advocacy for anti-competitive practices and free riding. Now, CRMLS is preparing for potential litigation while still navigating more amicable ways to resolve claims.
CRMLS’s Rule 7.9 already permits a seller to authorize full public marketing and advertising of a property without submitting it to the MLS for cooperation, satisfying Compass’s request for “Office Exclusive” listings. Furthermore, CRMLS characterizes withholding a property while using cooperative data and controlling access to the seller and property as free riding that could weaken the MLS over time. Compass seeks to control access to its listing information on a pay-to-play model that CRMLS believes will undermine the competitive market and erode trust in the MLS as a whole, with consumers and real estate professionals placed in an inequitable marketplace where all parties will lose.
To stand against Compass’s threats of litigation that seek to compel unfair business practices, CRMLS aims to establish an MLS Cooperation Legal Defense Fund with intent to be supported by organizations and groups concerned with consumer transparency, equal listing access, and open competition, including legal-action programs, consumer advocates, attorneys, other MLSs, associations, vendors, and portals.
CRMLS’s full response can be found in an open letter published on its website. Additionally, CRMLS CEO Art Carter has written an op-ed laying out his thoughts on the issue. These two articles aim to provide additional industry context, deeper analysis of the conflict between a fair marketplace and Compass’s demands, and further reasoning for CRMLS’s stances and actions.
About California Regional Multiple Listing Service
California Regional Multiple Listing Service is the nation’s most recognized subscriber-based MLS, serving more than 93,000 real estate professionals through dozens of Associations, Boards and MLS organizations. CRMLS provides its users with industry-leading products, services and data designed to support a more efficient and collaborative real estate marketplace.
Media Contact: Art Carter, Art@crmls.org
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SOURCE California Regional MLS
