If my landlord is asking tenants to show their own apartments when moving out, is this legal?
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If my landlord is asking tenants to show their own apartments when moving out, is this legal?
The landlord recently moved to another state half way across the country and understandably cannot show the apartment herself. The tenant does not have a real estate license. We are planning on moving in about 8 months from now and expect her to ask us to show our own place too. I want to have all of my ducks in a row before we are asked the same. I have read that it is not legal and the tenant can actually be at risk of breaking the law if they show the apartment. Shouldn’t a realtor be showing it?
Asked on November 7, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
From my experience there is nothing improper or illegal for you to show your apartment to possible new tenant but you have no legal obligation to do so unless the written lease agreement that you have signed states that you agreed to do this task.
You are correct that if the landlord wants to lease out the apartment that you are occupying he or she should have an agent such as a real estate agent doing this task. I would write the landlord a letter stating your concerns requesting that the landlord hire a real estate agent. Keep a copy of the letter for future reference. Good luck.
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