Am I required to help a broker in selling an apartment that I’m renting?
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Am I required to help a broker in selling an apartment that I’m renting?
I am living in an apartment that I’m renting on a month-to-month basis. The owner decided to sell it and hired a real estate broker who is asking me if she can have an open house every weekend. The problem I have with this is not just the burden of having strangers in my home but the idea that I’ll probably have to move out once it’s sold, since most of the people who visited so far seem to be looking for a new home to buy and move into. There seems to be no benefit to me to help the real estate broker with this. Do I have to let the broker do the open houses? Can I just say no, and if I do, can that potentially get me in trouble?
Asked on June 16, 2017 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You don't have to affirmatively help show the apartment (i.e. discuss it, describe it, show people around, etc.), BUT you do have to let them do the open houses or other showings, so long as they provide at least 24-hour notice of the showing. The law is clear that the property owner has the right to show his apartment for rent (or sale)--it is his property, after all. The only restriction, you must get notice as discussed. You may choose to be present for the showing, to keep an eye on things; or to leave during the showing.
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