As the buy/sell of residential and commercial real estate heats up again in the CKL, remember the restrictions that continue to apply during the provincial state of emergency:
No “Open Houses”:
The Government of Ontario has prohibited the hosting of in-person open houses during the state of emergency.
In addition, RECO has strongly recommended that brokers and salespersons follow the direction of health officials by limiting showings to situations where they are necessary.
This means that you may only have physical access to a property at the final stages of consideration where historically, many buyers would walkthrough a property at the beginning of the consideration process.
Speak with your broker or salesperson regarding property showings, as access may be restricted and, in some cases, not permitted.
Can I Book Back-To-Back Private Showings?
This is an approach to discuss with your salesperson.
Hosting showings “back to back” may not be practical or convenient for everyone involved.
Speak with your representative to ensure that if multiple showings are scheduled for the same day that consideration has been given to establishing a process for sanitizing high-touch areas, like door handles and countertops, between visits. this will lessen the risk of transmission to you, your loved ones and visitors to your property.
Is There a Residential Tenant?
Showings should only occur with the tenant’s consent or in accordance with lawful notice provisions contained within the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) which is enforced by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). RECO has recommended that parties hold off on showings if they do not have the tenant’s consent.
Speak with your salesperson about what you can and may need to do to in the case that there are particular health concerns on the part of the tenant.
Many salespersons and brokerages have established protocols that respect the needs and concerns of tenants that will allow serious buyers to safely view the property.
If protocols are not already in place your salesperson may be able to negotiate a plan that will satisfy all parties. If they are unable to agree to terms that will allow a showing, you will need to make a decision on how comfortable you may be regarding finalizing a purchase without a showing.
