What is a key requirement of MREC regarding hearings after a complaint is filed?

The key requirement of the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) regarding hearings after a complaint is filed is that MREC must provide at least 10 days' notice before a scheduled hearing. This notice period ensures that all parties involved have adequate time to prepare for the hearing, which is a fundamental aspect of due process.

Providing notice helps to facilitate a fair and transparent process, allowing the licensee who is the subject of the complaint to organize their defense or response, and enabling the complainant to prepare their case. This ensures that both sides understand the context of the hearing and can present their arguments effectively, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the administrative process conducted by the MREC.

Understanding the importance of this notice requirement is crucial for anyone working in real estate in Maryland, as it underscores the procedural fairness that the commission is committed to upholding in its investigations and hearings.