Digitally Altered Media Policy
Member Guide & FAQs
Overview
The PAAR MLS Digitally Altered Media Policy establishes requirements for listing media that have been modified using editing software, including artificial intelligence (AI), to add, remove, or change elements depicted. This policy allows appropriate use of AI, virtual staging, and photo editing while promoting transparency and ensuring that listing media accurately represents a property.
Key Dates
Types of Alterations & Disclosure Requirements
The following sections outline which adjustments are permitted without disclosure, which alterations require disclosure, and which are prohibited entirely.
The following adjustments do not require a watermark or an accompanying original image, provided they do not change the physical condition or representation of the property:
- ✔︎Brightness and exposure
- ✔︎White balance and color correction
- ✔︎Contrast
- ✔︎Cropping
- ✔︎Straightening and angle correction
- ✔︎Sharpening
Permitted without disclosure, provided the representation of the property is not changed.
Alterations such as the following are permitted, provided they are disclosed in accordance with the requirements outlined below:
- !Virtual staging, including adding furniture or decorative items
- !Removing furniture, clutter, or other movable objects
- !Changing paint colors, flooring, or appliances
- !Modifying landscaping or outdoor features
- !Replacing or significantly changing the appearance of the sky
Photos & Floor Plans: Flexmls "Digitally Altered" watermark and adjacent original.
Videos & Virtual Tours: "Digitally Altered" watermark or description.
The following alterations are strictly prohibited and may not be submitted to PAAR MLS under any circumstances:
- ✖︎Removing or concealing permanent defects, such as foundation cracks, water stains, mold, or structural damage
- ✖︎Removing permanent fixtures visible from the property, such as power lines, utility poles, water towers, or neighboring buildings
- ✖︎Adding a view, vista, or feature not visible from the property, such as replacing a street view with a mountain view
- ✖︎Modifying structural elements, such as adding or removing walls, pillars, or other load-bearing or spatial elements
Prohibited, even with disclosure.
How to Disclose
Photographs and Floor Plans
Videos and Virtual Tours
Digitally altered videos and virtual tours must be identified with the words "Digitally Altered," either as a watermark on the media or in the description of the video or virtual tour.
Before You Upload: Compliance Checklist
Confirm each of the following before uploading listing media to Flexmls.
Violations and Fines
Two new citable infractions have been added to the PAAR MLS Rules & Regulations. Fines will be enforced beginning December 1, 2026.
| Infraction | First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense | Additional Offenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1.13 Failure to Properly Disclose Digitally Altered MediaMissing watermark or missing original imageFine Level B | $250 | $500 | $750 and a hearing | 30-day MLS suspension |
| 3.4.7 Use of a Prohibited Digital AlterationFine Level D | $1,000 and a hearing | 60-day MLS suspension | Termination from the MLS | Termination from the MLS |
Responsibility for Compliance
The Participant or Subscriber submitting the listing is responsible for compliance, regardless of who performed the alteration. This includes media edited by photographers, virtual staging companies, marketing vendors, or other third parties. Members should confirm what edits were made and obtain the original, unaltered images before uploading media to Flexmls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of photo edits require disclosure?
Standard adjustments such as brightness, exposure, and color correction generally do not require disclosure, provided they do not misrepresent the property. However, edits that add, remove, or change elements in listing media require disclosure, regardless of whether AI or traditional editing software was used.
Can I virtually stage a room or digitally remove existing furniture?
Yes. Both are permitted with proper disclosure, provided the alterations do not conceal permanent defects or misrepresent the property.
Can I replace a cloudy sky with a blue sky?
Yes, with proper disclosure. Replacing the sky is considered a digital alteration because it changes an element of the original photograph. Standard brightness and color adjustments generally do not require disclosure.
How do I properly disclose digitally altered media?
Disclosure requirements depend on the type of media:
- Photographs and Floor Plans: Must include the Flexmls "Digitally Altered" watermark and the corresponding original, unaltered image placed directly before or after the altered version in the listing's photo order. Each altered image must have its own corresponding original. A photo description alone does not satisfy these requirements.
- Videos and Virtual Tours: Must be identified with the words "Digitally Altered," either as a watermark or in the media description. An original, unaltered version is not required.
What if my photographer only provides the edited photos?
You must request the original, unaltered images from your photographer. If the originals are unavailable, the digitally altered photographs cannot be submitted to the MLS.
Can I use fully AI-generated images or computer-generated renderings?
These may be permitted if they meet the applicable labeling and content requirements under Section 8.23.2. They must not contain prohibited alterations or misrepresent the property.
Do I have to update a listing entered before October 28, 2026?
No. The new requirements apply to listings entered into PAAR MLS on or after October 28, 2026.
What if my photographer or staging company edited the media?
The listing Participant or Subscriber is still responsible for compliance. Ask vendors to provide originals and a description of any changes.