BREAKING: State of Emergency Update – Here’s What You Need to Know

By now, you’ve probably heard about the new COVID-19 State of Emergency announced today by the Province.

Broadly speaking the State of Emergency does not have a significant impact on real estate. Real estate continues to be an essential service and open houses remain prohibited. The State of Emergency impacts real estate in two ways:

1. Short-term rentals for recreational purposes are effectively closed as of January 12^th, 2021. If a booking was made prior to January 12^th it is permitted to go forward.

• Renovations started before January 12^th will be permitted to continue but those that have not started are not permitted to start. The government has not indicated when the new measures will be lifted  

The new restrictions are indicative of the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in. Unfortunately, government projections are predicting things to get much worse.

So far, I’ve been incredibly proud of the commitment our profession has shown to following guidance from OREA and public health officials. That commitment is THE reason why you can continue to serve your clients in the midst of the pandemic.

But I am concerned.

As President, I have heard reports of some Members not following the advice of public health on things like showings and in-person business. This kind of selfish and unprofessional conduct has to stop. Real estate is an essential service to the people of Ontario, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that business is done safely. 

So, I want to take this opportunity to restate government rules and OREA’s key guidance for Members aimed at keeping you and your clients safe:

• Masks must be worn at all times. The additional requirement announced today mandates that masks be worn outside in public spaces. Put it on when you leave your home and don’t take it off until you get back.

• Open houses are banned. Full stop. No exceptions anywhere in the Province until the lockdown is lifted;

• Members should use virtual tools first and to the greatest extent possible to conduct all business;

• Urgently needed in-person showings are permitted but MUST be scheduled in advance. Members should limit the number people in the home to one group of two people (plus the buyer’s sales representative) to allow for physical distancing. Also, PPE should be worn at all times, surfaces & hands should be cleaned and sanitized before and after the showing, and Members should take steps to space out appointments and manage the flow of people inside and outside the home. Read more about OREA’s safe showing practices here.

• As an essential service, real estate offices and Brokerages may remain open however the Government has stated that all employees who can work from home should do so immediately. OREA strongly encourages Board and Brokerage offices to close unless it is absolutely necessary to be open. COVID-19 screening guidance for workplaces including Brokerages and Real Estate Board offices can be found here; and

• OREA is working to confirm the impact of the new measures on ancillary services (i.e., staging, photography etc.) and will communicate that to Members as soon as possible.

I know these measures are difficult and we all have had to make sacrifices. But this pandemic will end, and life will return to normal.

Until then, let’s continue to put the health and safety of our clients and communities first. 

Thank you for rising to this important challenge. 

Sean Morrison
President

Disclaimer. The information contained in this email is not meant to be relied upon as legal advice by REALTORS®, or others. Members wishing further clarity or advice should seek independent legal advice specific to their circumstances. Due to the quickly changing regulatory environment during the COVID-19 emergency, this information may not be current or accurate by the time it is read.