Under the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA), the Real Estate Commission is tasked with investigating complaints against its licensees. Upon receipt of a written complaint, the Commission's legal duty is to first investigate the allegations to "ascertain the facts." If this preliminary investigation indicates a potential violation of the Act, the Commission is then empowered to schedule and conduct a formal hearing to allow the licensee to respond to the charges before any disciplinary action is taken. This procedure ensures due process.

A. License suspension is a potential penalty that can only be imposed after a formal hearing and a finding of guilt, not as an initial step.

C. A cease and desist order is a specific remedy, primarily used to stop unlicensed individuals from practicing real estate, not the standard procedure for every complaint against a licensee.

D. The Commission has its own statutory authority and jurisdiction to investigate and discipline licensees; it does not transfer these matters to local civil authorities.

1. Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA), 63 P.S. § 455.604(a). This section outlines the Commission's power to take disciplinary action, which is predicated on a finding of fact. It states, "...where the commission finds by a preponderance of the evidence...the commission shall have the power to...suspend or revoke a license..." This implies an investigation and hearing process must first occur to establish the evidence.

2. Pennsylvania Code, Title 49, Chapter 35, § 35.321 (Complaints). This regulation specifies the procedure upon receiving a complaint: "The Commission's prosecuting attorney will investigate complaints made to the Commission which present a cognizable claim of a violation of the act or this chapter." This directly supports the "ascertain the facts" step.

3. Pennsylvania Code, Title 49, Chapter 35, § 35.324 (Hearings). This section details the formal hearing process that follows an investigation if formal action is deemed necessary, stating, "If it is determined that a formal hearing is warranted, a citation or an order to show cause will be issued..." This confirms that a hearing is the step taken when warranted by the facts.