2026 compliance guide for real estate professionals • Reviewed September 10, 2026
Prince Edward Island licenses real estate professionals under the Real Estate Trading Act. PEIREA's published virtual-staging requirements apply specifically to its members and MLS System.
Section 16, rules 7–9 permit digital alterations only when the image still portrays the property accurately. The listing brokerage must disclose virtually staged images in MLS public remarks. PEIREA distinguishes adding movable items to illustrate room dimensions from virtual enhancements that change property features affecting value, such as removing walls or adding landscaping or a garage. Such enhancements and other misleading images are not permitted on its MLS System. A photo label supplements the required public remarks; it does not replace them.
The Registrar may suspend, revoke, or cancel a licence under section 4(3) of the Act. Section 45 sets offence fines up to $1,000 for a first offence and $2,000 for later offences. A breach of PEIREA's MLS image rules is a separate board matter; it does not automatically establish an offence under the Act.
For PEIREA listings, disclose virtual staging in public remarks. Add any photo labels in the format accepted by the board.
Compare every generated image with the original before publishing. Keep room dimensions, windows, finishes, fixtures, exterior views, and visible defects accurate. Adding furniture should not create the impression that renovations have already been completed.
Recommended: retain original photographs, staged versions, and the final disclosures. Include originals in the gallery where permitted or required. Only promise that originals are included or available on request when that is true.
Ask your brokerage and board for their current image rules, including required labels, captions, original photographs, and display order. Review the published result on each marketing channel; a disclosure in one place may not accompany a syndicated image.
Describe the edits accurately and replace every bracketed placeholder. Check the required wording, image placement, MLS fields, and original-photo access described above. Use custom image labels only where permitted. A template does not authorise an otherwise prohibited or misleading alteration.
“The identified images have been digitally altered with virtual furniture and decor. These items are not physically present. View the corresponding original, unaltered photographs at: [PUBLIC ORIGINAL-IMAGE LINK].”
“Digitally altered / virtually staged image. The furniture and decor shown were digitally added and are not physically present. View the original, unaltered image: [PUBLIC ORIGINAL-IMAGE LINK].”
“This photograph has been digitally altered with virtual furniture and decor. These items are not physically present. Compare the clearly identified original, unaltered image shown alongside it or at: [PUBLIC ORIGINAL-IMAGE LINK].”
“DIGITALLY ALTERED / VIRTUALLY STAGED – Original image: [PUBLIC URL OR QR CODE]”
Guide reviewed September 10, 2026. Links below include legislation, regulator guidance, and board or MLS materials. Their scope differs: a board rule is not statewide law, and a regulator homepage is not proof that no other rules exist. This guide does not verify every local MLS policy. Confirm the current requirements before publishing.
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