In short
It's legal in Ontario, but everyone has to agree to it in writing first.
The brokerage must treat both sides fairly and can't share either client's confidential information, like a buyer's top price or a seller's lowest.
How it works in Ontario
It's allowed under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA), but only if every client involved agrees in writing after full disclosure.
When it happens depends on your agreement. Under brokerage representation, it arises whenever the same brokerage acts for both sides or for competing buyers, even if they use different agents. Under designated representation, introduced December 1, 2023, it arises only when the same named agent acts for both.
It most often comes up when a buyer wants a home listed by their own brokerage, or when two clients of the same brokerage want the same property.
What has to happen first
The brokerage must give each client and prospective client a written disclosure explaining how its duties change, how its services change and any change to what you pay.
Until everyone has that disclosure and agrees in writing, the brokerage can't take further steps for any of them. If the agent represents the seller and a buyer, other buyers who make written offers must be told before an offer is accepted.
What changes once you agree
The brokerage must treat both clients impartially. It can no longer put your interests first, and it can't advise you on the price to offer or accept, or the terms to include.
Your confidential information stays protected. Things like your top price, lowest acceptable price or motivation can't be shared with the other side without your written consent.
Your agreement must also say how your fee changes in this situation, so check what you'd pay before you agree.
You can say no
If you don't consent, the brokerage can't proceed on that basis. A common alternative is a referral to another brokerage or another designated agent for that one property. Your agreement should say whether it ends in that case, or whether you stay with the brokerage for everything else. RECO suggests getting independent advice, such as from your lawyer, before agreeing.
Common questions about multiple representation
Can one agent represent both the buyer and the seller in Ontario?
Yes, but only with the informed written consent of both clients. The brokerage must first explain in writing how its duties, services and fees would change. Once both agree, the agent must stay impartial and can't advise either side on price or terms.
Can the agent tell the seller how much I'm willing to pay?
No, not without your written consent. Ontario's rules protect a client's confidential information, including the most you'd pay, the least you'd accept and why you're moving, even in multiple representation. Share only what you're comfortable with the other side knowing.
What is designated representation?
Designated representation means one or more named agents represent you, rather than the whole brokerage. It started in Ontario on December 1, 2023. It reduces how often multiple representation comes up, because other agents at the same brokerage can represent the other side without triggering it.
Should I agree to multiple representation?
It's your choice, and you can refuse. RECO notes that agreeing significantly reduces what the brokerage can do for you, since it can't advocate for your price or terms. Ask about a referral to another agent or brokerage, and consider getting advice from your real estate lawyer before you sign.
Sources
General information for Ontario, updated October 2026. Not legal, tax or mortgage advice. Rules change, so confirm with your lawyer, lender or the source above before you rely on it.