COVID-19: Showing Rules Relaxation

As an industry, Alberta’s REALTORS^® have evolved their business practices to align with government directives regarding COVID-19. These changes include utilizing technology where possible, and applying safety protocols where face-to-face interactions are needed.

In order to best serve clients and promote public safety during this time of uncertainty, we need to be flexible and responsive. For this reason, AREA and the local Boards/Associations are introducing a temporary relaxation to MLS^® Rules around showings and withdrawals.

Relaxing the showing and withdrawal rules will allow all members to be responsive to the specific needs and concerns of their clients during our current public health emergency.

MLS^® System Listing Rule 2.03.b:

… save commercial properties which are not subject to this rule, the property shall be available for showings within 24 hours of a request being made to view it.

Relaxation of rule due to COVID-19:

• Active listings are not required to be available for showings at this time.
• Sellers may instruct their REALTOR^® to decline any or all showing requests due to COVID-19 concerns and their listing will continue to be marketed on third-party websites and REALTOR.ca. Instructions must be in writing. There is no need to amend the listing contract.
• Members are required to disclose in the remarks section of the MLS^® System that the seller will not be accepting showing requests due to COVID-19 concerns.

Note: There is no change to the requirement for members to immediately notify the other party when a client is unable to keep, or does not want to keep, a scheduled appointment, even if their decision is due to COVID-19 concerns (see Practice Rules 7.02.a and 7.02.b).

MLS^® System Listing Rule 3.05:

An MLS^® Listing may be temporarily withdrawn for up to ten (10) Calendar Days per withdrawal request, provided that the Listing Brokerage provides written instruction to the Board that are signed by the person(s) who signed the MLS^® Listing Contract and that state the reason for temporary withdrawal/suspension.

Temporary relaxation of rule due to COVID-19:

• Listings may be withdrawn from the MLS^® System for more than 10 days when requested in writing by the seller. Withdrawn listings are not marketed on third-party websites and REALTOR.ca.
• Processes for withdrawn status extensions will be determined by the Board.
• The listing does not have to be withdrawn from the MLS^® System if the seller would like to continue marketing the property for sale.

These changes are in effect until further notice. We will continue to do our best to protect the health and safety of our membership and the general public.

AREA and the local Boards/Associations have been working to harmonize practice and MLS^® listing rules to create a provincial practice standard. In recent surveys, members’ top asks are for a single MLS^® and provincial practice consistency and we are responding to that feedback. Our collective efforts ensure you, our members, are best equipped to serve your clients.

For more information on the provincial rules harmonization work underway, please reach out to communications@albertarealtor.ca.