California Regional Multiple Listing Service has rejected Compass, Inc.'s September 8, 2026, letter demanding that CRMLS not enforce rules governing the submission of properties listed for sale for cooperation. CRMLS said its 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. The MLS characterized Compass's push to control access to its listing information on a pay-to-play model as free riding that could weaken the MLS over time and erode consumer and professional trust. In response to Compass's threats of litigation, CRMLS said it aims to establish an MLS Cooperation Legal Defense Fund, intended 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, which serves more than 93,000 real estate professionals, said its full response appears in an open letter on its website, and that CEO Art Carter has written an op-ed on the dispute.
Compass IncCRMLS rejected Compass's demand and plans a legal defense fund against its threatened litigation over MLS listing rules.
CRMLS is defending its Rule 7.9 and establishing a legal defense fund amid a regulatory dispute with Compass.
