MLTA Code of Ethics

In February of 2024, the Board of Directors of the Maryland Land Title Association adopted a Code of Ethics for its members.

MARYLAND LAND TITLE ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS

PREAMBLE

The foundation of the American heritage of personal freedom is the widely allocated ownership and use of real property. Upon the furtherance of that heritage depends the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. The Land Title Profession is the instrumentality through which titles to land reach their highest accuracy and attain the widest distribution.

The Title Profession having become such a vital and integral part of our country's economy, there are imposed on each Member of the Maryland Land Title Association obligations above and beyond those customarily required of participants in ordinary commercial pursuits and a code of ethics higher and purer than ordinarily considered acceptable in the market place, to the fulfillment of which the Title Profession is dedicated. Each Member of the Maryland Land Title Association shall be ever zealous to maintain and improve the quality of service in their chosen calling, and shall assume personal responsibility for maintaining the highest possible standards of business practices, and to those purposes shall pledge observance and furtherance of the letter and spirit of the following Code of Ethics.

RECITALS

1. Governed by the laws, customs and usage of the respective communities they serve, and with the realization that ready transferability results from accuracy and perfection of titles, Members shall issue abstracts of title, examine titles to real property, report thereon, issue binders and policies of title insurance only after a complete and thorough investigation, founded on adequate records and learned examination thereof by themselves, their authorized attorneys or agents, and shall otherwise so conduct their business that the needs of their customers shall be of paramount importance.

2. Every Member shall obtain and justifiably hold a reputation for honesty and integrity, always standing sponsor for their work intellectually and financially.

3. Ever striving to serve better the public interest, Members shall endeavor (a) to encourage and maintain cooperation with each other, (b) to encourage and maintain cooperation with Members of the real estate industry including members of the Maryland Bar, the Maryland Realtors and the Maryland Mortgage Bankers, (c) to facilitate transfers of title, (d) to eliminate delays and unnecessary exceptions to title and (e) to make their services available in such a manner as will provide adequately for obligations assumed and afford a fair return for services rendered and resources employed.

4. Members shall support and advocate for legislation which is in the public interest and will unburden real estate from unnecessary restrictions and restraints on alienation.

5. Members shall at all times engage in practices which will further the public interest and continue the stability of the Title Profession.

6. Members shall at all times strictly adhere to the laws of the United States of America and the State of Maryland and any appurtenant regulations.

7. Members shall not engage in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices and shall conduct their business so as to promote the public interest and the continuing integrity and stability of the Title Profession.

8. Members shall support the organization as a whole, its Board and Committee members, and the overall development and prospective endeavors of the Maryland Land Title Association founded and maintained upon the Principles set forth in these Code of Ethics.

9. Members shall remain current with new developments in the title industry by attending regular educational programs designed to keep members on the cutting edge of technology and service in the title industry, and shall at all times maintain the proper credentials and educational requirements for which the Maryland Insurance Administration has imposed on the industry.

10. Any matter of an alleged violation of the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics may be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Maryland Land Title Association for appropriate consideration and action.