Property Visit and Open House Advisory (C.A.R. Form PVOH).  This will help agents manage open houses and private showings while minimizing legal risk and ensuring proper documentation.

🔹 GENERAL PURPOSE & UNDERSTANDING

  1. What is the Property Visit and Open House Advisory (PVOH) used for?

Explanation:
C.A.R. Form PVOH is an advisory and acknowledgment form that informs buyers and visitors about:

  • The risks of entering a property (including injury, damage, or illness)
  • The seller’s and broker’s limited liability
  • The importance of respecting the property, personal belongings, and safety protocols

It is also used to document who visited the property and when.

  1. Is the PVOH form required by law?

Explanation:
No, but it is strongly recommended—especially for:

  • Public open houses
  • Private showings
  • Occupied homes
    It protects the seller, agent, and brokerage from liability and documents that the visitor has been advised of the risks.
  1. What is the difference between PVOH and the previous PEAD form?

Explanation:

  • PEAD (Property Entry Advisory and Declaration) was used during the COVID-19 pandemic and included health declarations.
  • PVOH is a more general form, focusing on property access, liability, and respectful conduct, without health-specific declarations.

🔹 ZIPFORMS-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

  1. Where can I find the PVOH form in ZipForms?

Explanation:
In ZipForms:

  • Click “Add Forms”
  • Search for “PVOH” or “Property Visit and Open House Advisory“
  • Add C.A.R. Form PVOH
  1. Can I add PVOH to my listing template in ZipForms?

Explanation:
Yes. It’s recommended to include it in listing-side templates, especially if the home will be shown frequently or held open to the public.

  1. Can I send the PVOH form for electronic signature?

Explanation:
Yes, but it’s usually signed in person—especially during walk-ins at open houses. However, you can pre-send it via DigiSign or DocuSign for scheduled showings.

  1. Can multiple visitors sign a single PVOH form?

Explanation:
No. Each buyer, agent, or visitor should sign individually. If a couple is visiting, each should sign separately for better legal protection.

🔹 LIABILITY, SAFETY & CONDUCT QUESTIONS

  1. Why is the PVOH form important legally?

Explanation:
It:

  • Limits liability for the seller and listing broker
  • Advises visitors to enter at their own risk
  • Reminds them not to touch personal property or take photos
  • Warns of possible hazards (uneven surfaces, pets, security cameras, etc.)
  1. Does PVOH apply to both vacant and occupied homes?

Explanation:
Yes. It’s especially important in occupied properties, but even in vacant homes, it provides protection against claims of injury, damage, or theft.

  1. What does PVOH say about surveillance and recording devices?

Explanation:
It advises visitors that security cameras, audio devices, and recording equipment may be in use and to not discuss negotiation strategy while inside the property.

  1. Should I collect PVOH forms for every showing?

Explanation:
It is best practice to collect a signed PVOH for:

  • Every private showing
  • Every open house attendee
    You can keep a printed stack for sign-in at open houses or use a QR code sign-in system with the form embedded.
  1. Can we include this form in the MLS supplements?

Explanation:
Not necessary. It’s an internal risk management tool, not a buyer-facing disclosure like SPQ or TDS. However, you may mention in private remarks:

“Please have buyers sign PVOH prior to entry.”

  1. Is this form just for buyers, or also agents and inspectors?

Explanation:
It applies to:

  • Buyers and their agents
  • Inspectors
  • Appraisers
  • Family or friends accompanying the buyer

Everyone entering should sign.

  1. Do I need to keep copies of signed PVOH forms?

Explanation:
Yes. Maintain signed PVOHs in the transaction file for DRE audit and broker risk management. Some brokers require this for each showing.

🔹 PRACTICAL SHOWING & BROKER POLICY QUESTIONS

  1. Can we get one PVOH signed for multiple visits?

Explanation:
No. Best practice is to get a new PVOH signed for each property visit, especially if:

  • There are different agents
  • The visit occurs on a different day
  • Circumstances of the home change (e.g., weather, repairs, new disclosures)
  1. Can we use PVOH in commercial or multi-unit properties?

Explanation:
Yes. PVOH is appropriate for:

  • Commercial tours
  • Apartment walkthroughs
  • Industrial or land listings

Any property visit where liability may arise.

  1. Can sellers request a signed PVOH before allowing showings?

Explanation:
Yes. Many sellers prefer it. It’s a good idea to include this in your listing presentation and set the expectation early.

  1. Does this form protect me as the buyer’s agent too?

Explanation:
Yes. It protects all agents involved by showing that the visitor was warned of property conditions and surveillance.

  1. Is it okay for kids or elderly visitors to enter without signing PVOH?

Explanation:
No. If a minor visits, their parent or guardian should sign for them. Anyone entering should be covered by a signed form.

  1. What if a buyer refuses to sign the PVOH form?

Explanation:

  • You may deny access to the property
  • Explain it is a brokerage risk management requirement
  • Document their refusal and notify your broker

✅ BROKER CHECKLIST FOR PVOH USAGE

Task Required? Notes
Add PVOH to ZipForms or listing file ✅ Form PVOH
Have all visitors sign individually ✅ Buyers, agents, guests, inspectors
Keep signed copies in transaction file ✅ For liability protection and audits
Include advisory about surveillance ✅ Built into the form
Do not allow access without PVOH (if required) ✅ Especially in occupied homes
Don’t share PVOH in MLS ❌ Internal document only

Disclaimer:
The questions and answers provided are for general guidance only and may not cover all details or apply to every situation. If anything is unclear or you need further clarification, please visit car.org for official resources and the most up-to-date information from the California Association of REALTORS®.

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