Select Page

About Agent Showings

Generally speaking, Realtors® do not show Rental Properties anymore since the invention of self-guided tour access technology like Rently®. Frankly, you do not need a Realtor® to locate and view a Rental Property since almost all listed Rental Properties are available for self showing.

The Broker is required in the Rental Listing Agreement with the Owner to list the rental property to the Multiple Listing Service for the purpose of offering a Commission to Cooperating Agents who may already have a Rental Customer who is interested in a similar property.  After having said that it is not common today for Agents to show Rental Property.

Prior to COVID there were almost no Agent Showings for Rental Property already. During COVID the distancing requirement effectively mandated the universal use of self touring lockboxes. It is clear that most Modern Rental Customers prefer and expect this type of service.

Nevertheless, we still get calls today from Rental Customers demanding Agent Showings when it is obviously easier for them to see the Property without going through the trouble to schedule an appointment with an Agent. It is universally understood within the industry that in most cases what these Rental Customers really want is an Agent to negotiate with the Listing Agent on their behalf. Negotiating on behalf of a Rental Customer is not a service that this Broker provides.

Alabama’s Act 2025-59 (HB 230), a law effective April 18, 2025, states that while buyers (and renters) cannot be forced to sign a contract just to see a house, the law also doesn’t compel agents to show properties without an agreement.

The Broker is aware that there are some Rental Customers who are unaware of the recent changes in the home rental industry and it might seem unreasonable to them that a Leasing Broker has a policy that he will not provide an Agent show his own listings and the listings of other Brokers in the MLS. Therefore, the Broker offers Non-Agency Rental Customer Agent Showing Service with terms and conditions including but not limited to:

  • The agreement is a non-agency agreement and the Broker shall not have any responsibility to negotiate on the behalf of the Rental Customer including, but not limited to: the rental rate, the published or unpublished terms and/or conditions of the Lease and/or Minimum Requirements for Lease Application Approval.
  • $300 non-refundable pre-payment per showing.
  • Rental Customers must pay for Credit and Background Report.
  • A qualifying credit score (with all accounts in good order) according to the published minimum requirements or Agent’s Notes.
  • No showing for properties that do not have published minimum requirements for lease application approval.
  • No showing for single family detached homes that are not listed to rent for at least $1500 per month.
  • No showing for properties not located in Shelby County.
  • No showing for occupied properties.
  • No showing for properties with self guided tour access.

Contact the Broker directly during Business Hours to request a Rental Customer Agent Showing Agreement to sign and pay for.