Are potential home buyers allowed to view my home without the real estate agent present?
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Are potential home buyers allowed to view my home without the real estate agent present?
I am renting a house and the owners have put the house on the market. The Real estate agent put a box on my front door to access my home that I am still living in. He mentioned that he will allow viewers to look at my home without
himself being present. Is he allowed to do that? I have lots of private belongings and would rather not allow stranger to walk amongst my home by
themselves.
Asked on July 5, 2018 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, this is legal. While this house might be your "home," it is the owner's property, asset, and investment: the law recognizes the owner's right to market and show it for sale, even if doing so impinges on tenant privacy. While there are some limitations--e.g. you must be provided reasonable (generally considered 24-hour) notice, and showings should be at reasonable times (generally between 8am and 8pm)--the owner can show it when you are not present, is not required to be personally present, and is not even required to have his agent present for the showings. If anything is stolen, you may be able to sue for its loss, but otherwise, you need to put anything "private" away securely (e.g. in a locked drawer or file cabinet, in the trunk of your car, etc.).
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