Since the real estate industry plays a large part in the health of the economy, it has been deemed an essential service by the Government of Alberta amidst COVID-19. 

In order to best serve clients and promote public safety during this time of uncertainty, we need to be flexible and responsive during this time. 

For this reason, AREA and local Alberta board and associations are introducing a temporary relaxation to MLS® System Rules around showings. 

Effective immediately, there has been a relaxation of CREB® Rule Part III 2.03(b) related to showings. Under this relaxation 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. 

As a REALTOR®, it’s important that you explain the pros and cons to sellers about having such restrictions on their properties.

For additional information please refer to the CREB®Link COVID-19 Hub.

To read more about the COVID-19 Showing Rules Relaxation, visit AREA's website here.