Who’s responsible if someone falls during a house showing in Ontario? Most people never think about it—until an accident happens. Legally, it’s usually the homeowner or occupier. Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, anyone in control of a property (whether living there or not) is required to ensure visitors are reasonably safe.
That includes agents, inspectors, and potential buyers. If there’s a known hazard like a loose step or poor lighting, and it’s not fixed or clearly warned about, the homeowner could be held liable.
The truth is, falls are the number one cause of injury-related deaths and hospital visits among seniors in Canada. In 2021, more than 6,500 older adults lost their lives due to fall-related injuries.
Hospitalizations from falls among adults aged 65 and older have surged 47 percent in the last decade. These injuries often happen in everyday spaces—entryways, stairs, bathrooms—during simple visits or routine house showings.
As Canada’s population ages, with seniors expected to make up nearly a quarter of the population by 2040, the risk will only grow. For homeowners, realtors, and families, fall prevention is no longer optional—it’s a responsibility.
Thankfully, Custodia Home Management can help with safety inspections and fall-prevention installations across Ontario. Contact us today for free professional consultation and claim your home inspection.
Pre-showing Prep: Room-by-room Safety Audit
Before any house showing, it’s important to walk through your space the way a senior or cautious buyer would.
Here’s how to turn your property into a senior-safe, buyer-ready space that shows you care:
1. Entrance & Exterior Walkways
Clear the path to your door. Install non-slip mats, apply salt generously in winter, and fix cracks. Use motion-sensor lighting to brighten entrances. A clean, dry, and well-lit entryway feels safe and signals care from the first step.
2. Living Room & Hallways
Tidy up loose rugs and extension cords. Use rug grips and cable covers to secure everything. Clear hallways of furniture and décor. Safe passage tells visitors the home is loved, not cluttered. Smooth, open flow leaves a calming impression.
3. Kitchen Safety Tips
Avoid risky stretching and bending. Store daily items at waist height, remove wobbly stools, and use grip-enhanced mats near sinks. A safe kitchen shows you’ve thought beyond aesthetics—buyers imagine themselves cooking comfortably here.
4. Bathroom Fall-Proofing
Install grab bars near the toilet and tub, add grip strips or non-slip mats, and upgrade to bright vanity lights. Bathrooms are top fall zones for seniors. Making this space secure creates emotional comfort for families touring with older loved ones.
5. Stairways & Steps
Double handrails add stability. Use LED tread lighting and inspect for uneven steps or loose boards. Many injuries in Ontario happen on home staircases. Ensuring each step is well-lit and steady shows thoughtful upkeep and boosts buyer trust.
6. Bedrooms & Closets
Plug in soft nightlights to illuminate the way from bed to bathroom. Remove loose rugs and keep paths around the bed wide and clear. These thoughtful touches show you’ve created a home where mobility and comfort come first.
7. Basement & Garage
Basements and garages are often overlooked. Apply non-slip floor paint, improve lighting with bright LED fixtures, and neatly store tools off the floor.
Buyers appreciate organized, hazard-free zones. It’s one less worry, and a big bonus for safety-minded families.
8. Laundry Room Safety
Prevent slippery surprises by wiping spills immediately and placing non-slip mats near washers. Keep detergents on low, easy-to-reach shelves.
Laundry areas often have hard floors and water risks—fixing these shows you’re thinking ahead and protecting what matters.
9. Home Office & Den
With more seniors working remotely, safety in the home office matters. Tuck away power cords, clear out paper stacks, and leave walking space open. A tidy, ergonomic setup improves function and prevents small accidents that can turn serious fast.
10. Patio & Backyard Areas
Don’t ignore outdoor leisure spaces. Check deck railings, secure loose steps, and light up garden paths. Use grip tape on patios to prevent slipping in wet seasons. A fall-proof yard lets visitors imagine enjoying every part of the home safely.
Fall Prevention Seasonal Maintenance Tips For House Showing Checklist
Before every showing, ensure leaf piles are cleared, drains are unclogged, and walkways are dry and slip-resistant. Wet leaves are as dangerous as ice.
Taking these small steps not only protects visitors but also shows pride of ownership. Buyers feel more comfortable walking into a home that feels cared for from the outside in.
Now, Here Are 7 Proven Safety Staging Tips To Prevent Falls During Home Showings
Staging a home safely adds real value. Use these tips:
- Clear walkways and entrances are completely
- Secure rugs with grips
- Hide or tape down cords
- Use soft, consistent lighting
- Avoid scented candles or tripping décor
- Place seating with clearance space
- Ensure stair railings are tight and visible
These subtle safety choices reduce distractions and risk, helping buyers focus on the home’s beauty—not hazards.
5 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Safer For Seniors And Disabled Buyers
Making a home mobility-friendly speaks volumes, especially to buyers with aging parents or physical limitations.
Consider adding:
- Threshold ramps at entries
- ADA-compliant grab bars in bathrooms
- Wider doorways for walkers or wheelchairs
- Lever-style door handles
- Stair lifts or slip-resistant flooring
These small upgrades offer long-term peace of mind. Buyers see not just a house, but a home where they or loved ones can age safely.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Falls are preventable, and thoughtful home preparation can save lives, especially during house showings. From clearing slippery leaves to installing grab bars, every small fix adds value and peace of mind. For expert help, book a professional home safety audit with Custodia. And don’t forget to subscribe for seasonal prep tips and more home-safe living ideas.
