Real estate open houses
Effective January 31st at 12:01 a.m., open houses are once again permitted. The new rule provides for two options for real estate registrants hosting open houses*:
- If REALTORS® choose NOT to require proof of vaccination from visitors entering an open house, then all parties must wear face masks and capacity must be limited to the number of members of the public that can maintain physical distancing of two metres. Physical distancing requirements apply to both the open house and any lines that may form outside of the property.
- If REALTORS® choose to require proof of vaccination status from visitors entering an open house, then the government’s restrictions for capacity limits and physical distancing no longer apply. All parties are still required to wear a mask. Ontario has created the Verify Ontario App for businesses and REALTORS® to scan COVID-19 proof of vaccination at entry.
* Members should work with their sellers to determine which option meets the best interests of their clients.
Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are permitted provided that any indoor fitness centres or recreational facilities (i.e. indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities) do not exceed 50% capacity or 500 people (whichever is less).
Impact on Real Estate Brokerages
The legal requirement to work from home except where necessary has been lifted by the province and capacity inside a real estate business is limited to the lesser of 50% capacity or the number of people that can maintain physical distancing of 2 metres.
There are additional requirements real estate brokerages must follow on screening, etc. To learn more visit OREA’s COVID Hub.
Looking Ahead
The province expects to enter the next step of its reopening plan on February 21st at which time legal indoor and outdoor gathering limits are set to increase and indoor capacity restrictions are set to be eliminated where proof of vaccination is required.
Please be reminded that Ontario is still in the middle of a global pandemic. The public health situation is improving however, as experience has shown, things can change quickly.