08/17/2026
Can a licensed real estate agent in Arizona host an open house for another brokerage? Answer: Yes, when properly authorized and disclosed.
The Arizona Department of Real Estate has specifically addressed this question: “May a licensee of one company hold an Open House on a listing of another company?”
I recently called ADRE to discuss this. Their answer is YES, subject to specific safeguards.
ADRE identifies the primary concern as avoiding confusion about whom the hosting agent represents.
ADRE REQUIREMENTS:
According to ADRE guidance, a licensee from another brokerage may conduct the open house when:
• Both brokers agree to the arrangement.
• The hosting agent makes clear that they do not represent the seller.
• The hosting agent clearly identifies their own brokerage through signage, business cards and advertising.
• The hosting agent does not receive compensation directly from the listing agent for conducting the open house.
• The hosting agent is there for the purpose of meeting prospective buyers with whom they may work.
WHAT THE 2026 ARIZONA REAL ESTATE LAW BOOK SAYS:
• A.R.S. §32-2153(A)(B), Page 60
A salesperson or associate broker may not represent or attempt to represent a broker other than the broker to whom they are licensed. This is why the hosting agent must remain under their own brokerage and cannot present themselves as representing the listing brokerage.
• A.R.S. §32-2153(A)(12), Page 61
A licensee cannot place a sign offering property for sale without written authority from the owner or owner's authorized agent.
• R4-28-502, Page 197
Real estate advertising must clearly identify the licensee's employing broker, must not be misleading, and written owner consent is required before placing a sign or electronically advertising a specific property.
•R4-28-1101(J), Page 204
A licensee may not facilitate access to someone's real property without prior written authorization from the property owner.
R4-28-1103, Pages 204-205
The hosting agent's employing/designated broker remains responsible for supervision of the agent's licensed activities, including advertising and disclosures.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Arizona does not categorically prohibit a licensee from holding an open house on another brokerage's listing.
ADRE has specifically addressed the practice and permits it when the brokers agree, representation is clearly disclosed, the hosting agent identifies their own brokerage, proper authorization exists, and compensation rules are followed.
The hosting agent remains an agent of their own brokerage. They do not become an agent of, or represent, the listing brokerage simply by conducting the authorized open house.
Many brokerages have adopted simple forms of their agents to complete prior to this practice. As an additional safeguard I always recommend posting a sign that reads, "Agent hosting open house is not employed by, or affiliated with, listing brokerage" in a prominent place like the front door or my sign-in table, similar to the image below..
Keep in mind, not all brokerages allow this practice, many of those brokerages tell their agents that it's "illegal" when it's actually a rule or preference of that brokerage.
If you'd like me to send you a copy of the 2026 Arizona Real Estate Law Book just let me know and I'll happily forward it to you.
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