An open house is a scheduled period when a listed property is open for prospective buyers to view without a pre-arranged appointment. The listing brokerage's representative hosts the event to allow casual walk-through viewing. Open houses do not replace private showings arranged through a buyer's own representative, and attendees should be aware of representation and disclosure obligations under BC law.

Yes. Under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and the BCFSA Rules, a licensee must provide disclosure of who they represent before discussing details of the property with an unrepresented visitor. This is typically done using the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS) form, which clarifies that the hosting licensee represents the seller, not the visitor. Verify current BCFSA disclosure requirements with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional before hosting or attending an open house.

Yes, any member of the public may attend an open house without their own representation. However, you should understand that the hosting licensee represents the seller and owes fiduciary duties to the seller, not to you. If you wish to have your own representation, arrange a private showing through your own brokerage instead of or in addition to attending the open house.

Yes, but only after providing you with disclosure of representation, typically via the DORTS form, as required under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and BCFSA Rules. The hosting licensee may share factual information about the property but represents the seller's interests. Any advice or negotiation strategy should come from your own representative; verify current disclosure obligations with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional.

There is no statutory requirement under BC law that compels you to sign in, but the hosting brokerage may ask you to do so for security, contact tracing, or follow-up purposes. If you provide personal information, it is subject to BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), SBC 2003, c. 63, and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), SC 2010, c. 23, if the brokerage uses it for marketing. You may decline to provide your information, though the hosting agent may then limit the scope of the tour or information shared.

Yes, you may make an offer directly, but doing so means you are unrepresented and the listing brokerage represents only the seller under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42. You will not receive independent advice on price, terms, conditions, inspections, or contract risks. Verify the implications of proceeding unrepresented with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional before submitting an offer.

The Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and the BCFSA Rules require that licensees provide disclosure of representation and act with honesty and in good faith. There is no separate 'open house statute,' but general licensee conduct, disclosure, and fiduciary duties apply. Verify current BCFSA professional conduct rules with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Financial Services Authority before hosting or relying on open house representations.

You may ask, and the hosting licensee should disclose material facts, but they are not required to provide you with copies of strata documents at the open house itself. Under the Strata Property Act (SPA), SBC 1998, c. 43, a buyer (or their representative) may request documents such as Form B, Form F, minutes, and bylaws from the strata corporation or the listing brokerage. Verify document delivery timelines and fees with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional before making an offer on strata property.

Yes, but the landlord (seller) and their licensee must comply with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), SBC 2002, c. 78, which generally requires reasonable notice to the tenant and limits entry to certain hours and purposes. The tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and privacy must be respected. Verify current RTA notice and entry rules with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional before scheduling an open house in a tenanted property.

No, simply attending does not create a client relationship or impose any obligation on you. The hosting licensee represents the seller under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and you remain an unrepresented third party unless you separately agree in writing to representation. If you later wish to make an offer or receive advice, engage your own licensed representative or verify your legal position with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed professional.