Is virtual staging legal?

Yes. No US law we track bans it. California and, from January 1, 2027, Wisconsin require disclosure when images are altered, and MLS rules add their own disclosure requirements.

Do I need to keep the original photo?

Keep it in every case, and include it where your MLS requires it. CRMLS, MLSListings, ARMLS, Canopy MLS, Metro MLS and RANW MLS require the unaltered original alongside the staged photo.

Does a Realtor have to disclose virtual staging?

Under most MLS rules, yes, and the NAR Code of Ethics bars misleading images in advertising. Where and how depends on your MLS.

MLS rules

Is virtual staging allowed on the MLS?

Yes. Virtual staging is allowed on the MLS: none of the 17 MLSs in our tracker bans it. Most require disclosure, usually a note in the photo description or remarks, and a growing number also require an on-image label and the unaltered original next to the staged photo. California law requires disclosure too, and Wisconsin law will from 2027.

See the rules for your MLS How RoomStage labels photos

What virtual staging can change

MLS rules allow adding or replacing personal property: furniture, décor, artwork, mirrors and plants. MRED, Stellar MLS and HAR MLS (Houston) all say so in their rules.

What it cannot change

Permanent fixtures, flooring, walls or structure, unless the work will be done before closing (CRMLS, Greater Northwoods MLS)
Views, landmarks, or things outside the owner’s control such as power lines, water towers and roads (Bright MLS, MRED, Canopy MLS)
Defects such as holes in walls, exposed wiring or damaged flooring (Stellar MLS, MLS Now)
Room size, for example by using undersized furniture (Stellar MLS, Greater Northwoods MLS)
Some MLSs also bar staging on exterior photos and on under-construction listings (Stellar MLS, MLS Now)

How MLSs ask you to disclose it

In the photo description: Stellar MLS, MLS Now, HAR MLS (Houston) and CRMLS (California Regional MLS).
In the listing remarks: Bright MLS (public and private), RANW MLS and Metro MLS.
On the image itself: ARMLS (Arizona Regional MLS), Canopy MLS, Greater Northwoods MLS and Northwestern Wisconsin MLS.
With the unaltered original next to the staged photo: CRMLS (California Regional MLS), MLSListings, ARMLS (Arizona Regional MLS), Canopy MLS, Metro MLS and RANW MLS.

What the law says

California AB 723 (Bus. & Prof. Code §10140.8), in force since January 1, 2026: a conspicuous statement on or next to an altered image, plus a link to the unaltered original. California rules.
Wisconsin Act 69 (Wis. Stat. §452.136(1m)), from January 1, 2027: disclose advertising altered with technology, including AI, in a way that creates a false or misleading impression. Wisconsin rules.
The NAR Code of Ethics requires a true picture in advertising (Article 12), and Standard of Practice 12-10 bars misleading images.

Frequently asked questions

Is virtual staging allowed on the MLS?: Yes. Virtual staging is allowed on the MLS: none of the 17 MLSs in our tracker bans it. Most require disclosure, usually a note in the photo description or remarks, and a growing number also require an on-image label and the unaltered original next to the staged photo. California law requires disclosure too, and Wisconsin law will from 2027.
Is virtual staging legal?: Yes. No US law we track bans it. California and, from January 1, 2027, Wisconsin require disclosure when images are altered, and MLS rules add their own disclosure requirements.
Do I need to keep the original photo?: Keep it in every case, and include it where your MLS requires it. CRMLS, MLSListings, ARMLS, Canopy MLS, Metro MLS and RANW MLS require the unaltered original alongside the staged photo.
Does a Realtor have to disclose virtual staging?: Under most MLS rules, yes, and the NAR Code of Ethics bars misleading images in advertising. Where and how depends on your MLS.