More New Rules for Buyers Sellers Agents & Renters

If you're buying or renting a home in Virginia, a new law is changing how real estate agents and property managers work. Starting in 2025, agents must now have a signed agreement with buyers and tenants before showing them any property (buy or lease).

This rule isn’t new for buyer’s agents, who have already been required to sign agreements before assisting Buyer Clients. However, there was a loophole and some agents were still showing homes before getting a contract in place. This change officially closes that loophole, making it clear that no property can legally be shown without a written agreement.

The biggest change affects "contracted" or "independent" real estate agents and property managers who show rental properties to tenants. In the past, an exception allowed them to show rentals without a signed agreement. That exception is now gone. If an agent or contractor is showing an apartment or rental home on behalf of a property management company, they must first have a written agreement with the prospective tenant.

For sellers and landlords, the process stays the same. Their (employed) agents do not need a separate agreement with a buyer or tenant before showing a property, as long as they already have a contract (employed) with the seller or landlord.

This law is meant to protect both clients and agents by ensuring that every working relationship is clearly defined before any property tours happen. If you're a buyer or tenant, be prepared to sign an agreement before seeing a home. If you’re a real estate professional, make sure you have everything in writing before scheduling showings.