The vast majority of New York State’s COVID-19 rules and restrictions were lifted on 6/15/21. As a result, pandemic health guidance and safety protocols specific to the real estate brokerage industry in NYC are now optional.
COVID-19 mitigation measures which are no longer required include: social gathering limits, social distancing, capacity restrictions, cleaning and disinfection, health screening and contract tracing.
Here is an overview of the most important changes for real estate brokerage activities:
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Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face masks or coverings in public settings.
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Use of the REBNY COVID Health Questionnaire and REBNY COVID Liability Form is not required.
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Agents are no longer required to clean and disinfect all high-touch areas and surfaces before and after each showing.
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Traditional open houses (i.e. allowing walk-ins) are now permitted.
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There is no longer any limit to the number of people who can attend a showing.
Despite these changes, please note that businesses (including real estate brokerages) are free to lift some or all restrictions, continue to follow legacy guidance from NYS or implement other health & safety measures for in-person interactions.
If you’re a buyer or seller, you are therefore required to follow any COVID-19 safety measures imposed by your buyer’s agent or listing agent (and associated brokerage firm).
An individual seller may also continue to mandate specific COVID-19 safety protocols for persons entering her or his home. If you’re a listing agent, be sure to converse with your client to determine what safety measures, if any, the seller may wish to keep in place, and for how long.
Similarly, individual condo and co-op buildings still have the option to impose continued health and safety requirements, including but not limited to the use of masks, disinfecting, capacity limits, advance notice for showings, paperwork, etc.
