What’s Visiting-On and Visiting-Off? A Rentee’s Guide to Finding a Home Smartly

Two simple options. Zero pressure. Only from Monk & Bear.

🕒  6 min read

I’ve moved houses five times in the last decade. Every time, I paid a broker. Every time, I wished I saved the brokerage. This time I found Monk & Bear — and discovered a rental model that actually works on my terms. You can easily switch rental homes — no broker needed.

But what really made a difference?
Two options I had never seen before: Visiting-On and Visiting-Off.

Let me explain what they are — and how you can choose the one that fits your situation.

What is Visiting-On and Visiting-Off - Monk & Bear

So, what is “Visiting-On”?

Let’s say you’ve already decided to move out. You’ve informed your landlord, maybe even started browsing listings. You’re ready to start visiting homes this weekend — then Visiting-On is the right choice for you.

Or maybe, you’re still living in your current rental home but hoping to find a better deal — without brokerage. You’ve waited for months, but the perfect home never showed up. Now, with Monk & Bear, you can book your next house first, and only then tell your owner that you’ll be moving out in a month.

Whenever you’re ready to start visits — Visiting-On is your go-to mode

When you choose Visiting-On:

  • Get access to homes listed by verified rentees and owners
  • Visit as many houses as you like — no calls, no coordination needed
  • Like a place? Monk & Bear negotiates rent and deposit for you
  • Pay a nominal fee only after you book a house

A few simple rules:

  • You’ll also list your current house (the one you’re about to leave) so other rentees can visit it
  • No calls or messages between rentees
  • Just choose 10 min time slot per week on any single day as per your convenience to allow other rentees to visit your listed house. No visits outside this time slot.

It’s simple, respectful of your time, and fully broker-free. You’re joining a community of rentees/tenants. All rentees looking to find new rental house, list their current rental house on Monk & Bear and find next one from houses listed by fellow rentees. They do not need brokers, they save brokerage.

Real Talk:

I listed my flat in 2 minutes, chose a 10-minute time slot at 10am on Sundays to allow other renters to visit my current rental house, and within two weeks I had found my new rental home. The person who took over my flat was also a Monk & Bear rentee. No calls. No awkward negotiations.
— Richa, Kharadi (Pune)
I wanted to move closer to my son's school — but only if I could find a place without paying brokerage. I didn't want to waste money again. I joined Monk & Bear with Visiting-On mode, and within 2–3 weeks, I found a flat in a nearby society. I booked it immediately. Then I notified my owner.
— Smita R., Wakad (Pune)
My landlord asked me to vacate the flat. Around two months before my move-out date, I signed up on Monk & Bear. Within a month, I found a 2 BHK in Wakad. Monk & Bear even negotiated with the owner. Another rentee booked my old flat too.
— Ramesh T., Pune
We chose Visiting-On and started shortlisting places after work. In about three weeks, we found a great 2 BHK in Wakad. Monk & Bear managed the rent negotiation. We listed our old house too — and it got booked by another couple.
— Karan & Ruchi, Pune

What’s “Visiting-Off”?

Not ready to move just yet?
Haven’t told your landlord you’re planning to leave?
just exploring rentee listings without committing?
You want to change house but not yet ready to start visits?
Or maybe your landlord has asked you to vacate — the house is being sold, or they’re moving back in?

Don’t worry — you’re covered.
That’s exactly what Visiting-Off is made for.

This option lets you step into Monk & Bear quietly. It’s designed for rentees who want to stay prepared — without triggering early conversations with their landlord.

When you choose Visiting-Off:

  • Explore houses listed by rentees and owners
  • List your current rental house in < 1 min
  • No visits to your house, and your address stays hidden
  • You’re in discovery-only mode — you can’t schedule visits to other flats yet
  • Switch to Visiting-On anytime when you’re ready to start visiting or accepting visitors

It’s the smart way to:

  • Spot great rental deals early — before brokers or others get to them
  • Monitor rent prices in your area
  • Use the data to renegotiate with your current landlord, if needed

Real Talk:

I wanted to move closer to my daughter’s school but hadn’t told my landlord yet. I started with Visiting-Off on Monk & Bear. No one could visit my house, but I could explore flats. Then I switched to Visiting-On, I found a few listing in my desired area, and within two weeks, I booked a lovely 2 BHK in Baner.
— Smita R., Marketing Executive, Baner (Pune)
Our landlord told us he was selling the flat and asked us to vacate. I joined Monk & Bear using Visiting-Off mode. Their team even spoke to my landlord and confirmed that he just wanted new tenants. I then switched to Visiting-On and found a new house in about 2–3 weeks. My landlord was happy we helped find the next tenant — he returned our full deposit without any issues.
— Swapnil S., Viman Nagar (Pune)
I wasn’t sure if my landlord would extend the lease. Instead of waiting till the last minute, I joined Monk & Bear on Visiting-Off. I could browse listings in Aundh and Baner without giving notice to my landlord. Once my landlord said no, I switched to Visiting-On and booked a house within 10 days.
— Kunal M., Analyst, Aundh (Pune)

Quick Decision Guide:

Situation Recommended Option
You’re ready to shift in 1–2 months Visiting-On
You’ve informed your landlord Visiting-On
You want to visit flats now Visiting-On
You’re just exploring Visiting-Off
You haven’t told your landlord yet Visiting-Off On
You want to first find a new house and then tell your landlord Visiting-On
You’re waiting on a job transfer confirmation Visiting-Off

Can I switch between the two options?

Absolutely.
You can start in Visiting-Off to explore your options privately.
Once you’re ready to visit or list your flat for others to visit, just switch to Visiting-On with one click.

Or you can start with Visiting-ON and switch to Visiting-Off when needed

Monk & Bear makes sure your availability and visibility are always in your control.

Bonus: Why It Works

Here’s what makes this Monk & Bear’s model brilliant:

  • You only commit when you’re ready
  • You stay in control — of time, listing, and visibility
  • There’s no need to talk to rentees directly — no awkward calls
  • Even if your listed house gets visits, they’re only for 10-minute slots per week you choose

And remember — your house isn’t available to others until you find your next one. That means you’re never caught off guard or forced to move early.

Ready to Choose Your Path?

  • If you’re confident and ready to move → try Visiting-On
  • If you’re exploring and want more info first → go Visiting-Off

Either way, you stay in control. No brokers. No pressure.

👉 Join Like-Minded Rentees on Monk & Bear

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Which option should I start with — Visiting-On or Visiting-Off?

It depends on your situation. If you’re ready to visit houses or have already informed your landlord, go with Visiting-On. If you're still exploring or haven’t told your landlord yet, Visiting-Off lets you browse privately and switch to Visiting-On later once you are ready for visits.

Can I switch from Visiting-Off to Visiting-On anytime?

Yes! You can switch with just one click when you're ready to start visiting homes or allow others to visit your current flat. You’re always in control.

Will my current landlord or neighbors know if I list my flat?

Not if you choose Visiting-Off mode. Your listing stays private — no address is shown, and no one can visit your flat unless you switch to Visiting-On.

Do I need to inform my landlord before listing?

No. You can use Visiting-Off mode to explore options without informing your landlord. Then inform your landord and switch to Visiting-On.
OR, Use Visiting-On, find a new home. You can then notify your landlord.

Written by
Monk & Bear
Monk & Bear is the world's 1st Rentee-to-Rentee i.e. Tenant-to-Tenant house search portal. All tenants looking to find new rental house, list their current rental house here and find next one from houses listed by fellow rentees. You join trustworthy rentees - save brokerage, verified rentees, safe & smooth process, no calls or messages between rentees. Owners can leverage their rentees - avoid managing house visits, find next tenant before current one leaves.