Buying a home should be an exciting experience, not one that ends with a trip to the emergency room! But what happens when a prospective buyer slips and gets injured while touring a property? Is the real estate broker automatically responsible? A court decision highlighted by the National Association of REALTORS® offers an interesting look at where that responsibility begins and ends.
The case involved a prospective buyer who slipped on an icy driveway while visiting a vacant home in Iowa. The buyer suffered injuries and filed a lawsuit against the homeowners and the listing brokerage, claiming they should have addressed the icy conditions or provided a warning. Neither the homeowners nor the listing broker was at the property when the accident happened.
The brokerage argued that it did not own or control the property and therefore wasn’t responsible for maintaining its safety. The dispute eventually reached the Iowa Supreme Court, which sided with the brokerage.
So, what made the difference?
The court focused on an important legal concept: possession and control of the property. Simply listing a home, arranging showings, or helping market a property does not automatically make a real estate brokerage responsible for its upkeep. In this case, the homeowners remained in control of the property, even though it was vacant and listed for sale.
However, that doesn’t mean real estate professionals can ignore safety concerns. The circumstances matter. An agent who is physically present and conducting business at a property could potentially have different responsibilities depending on the situation and applicable state law.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers heading into 2027?
For buyers, it’s a good reminder to watch your step during showings. Icy walkways, uneven steps, loose railings, wet floors, and other hazards can turn an otherwise enjoyable house tour into an unexpected problem.
For sellers and real estate professionals, communication and preparation are key. Known hazards should be discussed, documented, and addressed whenever possible. Vacant homes deserve extra attention, especially during winter weather when conditions can change overnight.
The takeaway? Selling a home doesn’t automatically make a broker responsible for every accident that happens on the property. But keeping everyone informed and taking reasonable safety precautions can go a long way toward preventing problems.
After all, the only thing buyers should be falling for during a showing is the house itself!
Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Broker Isn’t Liable for a Slip and Fall”
National Association of REALTORS®
