When touring apartments to find your next home, it is important to be respectful, courteous and professional. In this blog, we will break down the unspoken rules and etiquette of open houses and how they can help you stand out as a desirable tenant.

Be Respectful of the Host and Property

The most important thing to keep in mind while attending an open house is to be respectful. Avoid excessive touching and handling of the current resident’s personal belongings. Unless explicitly permitted by the host, don’t test out the furniture or open doors to closed off rooms. As well, don’t open drawers and cabinets to items that will not be in the space if you were to move in. You want to focus on the building’s features, not personal items. 

In order to keep the floors clean, some hosts may ask that you either remove your shoes or wear shoe covers. Respect their wishes by doing so, but plan accordingly by wearing socks or appropriate footwear.

Be Punctual

It is very important that you arrive on time, especially if the open house requires you to book a time slot. You want to respect the time of the landlord, potential current tenant and any other parties who are coming to view the space. If you find that you are running behind schedule - due to unexpected delays or circumstances out of your control - inform the host as soon as possible that you will be late or are unable to attend.

Be Aware of Attendees

Depending on the space you are touring, there may not be a lot of roaming room. Because of this, limit the guests you bring to the open house, if any. You don’t want to bring too many people as it can diminish the experience for other groups and lead to overcrowding the space. Don’t follow too closely to other groups in the space; allow them to view the property comfortably.

Ask Permission Before Taking Photos

Some landlords or current tenants may not want you taking photos of the space or have specific rules against it. It is important to always ask if you can take photos and videos and which areas they would prefer not be captured, if any. This shows that you are respectful of their home and privacy.

Supervise Your Children

While it is best to attend an open house child-free, you may be unable to find a babysitter or want to see how your kids interact with the space. If they are accompanying you, supervise them closely to prevent any accidents or damage from occurring. Provide them with plenty of distractions, such as food or games, that will not disturb other potential buyers or renters.

Avoid Overstaying

Once the tour is complete, you might feel compelled to stay and chat with the landlord or current resident. However, this is not advised. They spend a large portion of the day welcoming groups into the space and talking about the property, so they are tired and eager to have some personal time or attend to other responsibilities or commitments. Be mindful of their time and don’t linger for too long. Instead, thank the host and property manager for their time and allowing you to see the space before leaving.