REALTORS® must continue to comply with state and local health ordinances in order to reduce the risk of exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19, while providing the essential services of residential and commercial real estate. The Enforcement Division of the Department of Real Estate has made clear that complaints regarding non-compliance with the showing protocols have been and will continue to be investigated.
The DRE encourages agents to come forward and make complaints. If you are aware of a real estate licensee who is not following the Guidance, please contact the Department of Real Estate at 1-877-373-4542. Be sure you are complying with the 9 Step Industry Guidance Showing Rules below:
Step 1: Adopt a “Prevention Plan.” You may use C.A.R. Document BPPP, Best Practices Guidelines/Prevention Plan for Showings (available within the COVID library in zipForm®), for this purpose. The BPPP should be signed by the broker/office manager and agreed to by all agents.
Step 2: Do not hold open houses or showings that are open to the general public or on a walk-in basis. Use an appointment or digital sign-in process to control the number of people at the house. Showings should be done virtually, whenever possible. Under the Prevention Plan, only one “buying party” may view the property in person at one time.
Step 3: All visitors must sign a PEAD-V form (available within the COVID library in zipForm®) and deliver it electronically to the listing agent in advance. Doing this accomplishes several things: a) It is an agreement that the visitor will comply with the posted “Rules for Showings” (Form PRE); b) The visitor acknowledges receiving and agrees to the Prevention Plan; and c) The visitor attests they are not, to the best of their knowledge, afflicted with COVID-19, among other things.
Step 4: The Rules for Showings must be posted at the entrance to the property and be clearly visible. Also link to or publish these rules in MLS listings and publicly online. You can add this link http://tahoemls.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Pictogram-2-Page.pdf to your public remarks.
Step 5: The property must be equipped with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and face masks.
Step 6: The property must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Commonly used surfaces such as counters, door and cabinet handles, key lock boxes, keypads, toilets, sinks, light switches, etc., must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each showing. The agent who shows the property shall follow cleaning and disinfecting protocols and provide sanitation products unless otherwise agreed. Keep in mind that the brokerage whose plan is being implemented (almost always the listing brokerage) must regularly evaluate the plan for compliance and correct deficiencies identified. Form RLA-CAA can require the seller to pay for the costs of an outside cleaning service. Allow for adequate time for cleaning between showings. If current occupants are present and/or participate during showings, they should adhere to the same cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Step 7: Open doors and windows, weather permitting, to introduce fresh air. Also, doors and other areas of ingress and egress must be opened to minimize clients touching surfaces.
Step 8: Prior to or immediately upon entry, all visitors must use hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water before touring or inspecting the property.
Step 9: After showing the property, ensure disposable covers (masks and gloves, etc.) are properly discarded after use, for example in a trash bag that is sealed prior to disposal.