Virtual-staging requirements come from state law, advertising standards, and the MLS receiving a listing. California's disclosure and original-image law has applied since January 1, 2026. Arizona's ARMLS introduced its own disclosure and paired-original policy on May 28, 2026. Wisconsin's enacted technology-alteration disclosure law takes effect January 1, 2027. NAR's 2026 Code requires REALTORS® to advertise accurately and prohibits misleading images; it does not prescribe a nationwide staging watermark. Directory entries marked 'Verify State and MLS Requirements' have not received a complete jurisdiction-specific legal review.
Informational guidance only. Requirements and MLS rules change; confirm the current rule with the regulator, board, or qualified legal counsel before publishing.
Choose your state for specific disclosure requirements, penalties, and best practices.
📍 States with specific guidance:
📋 States requiring a local rules check:
Start with your regional page and current board rules, then adapt these examples to the actual edits. Replace bracketed placeholders. Required wording, image placement, MLS fields, and original-photo access can differ; a country-level template is not sufficient for every listing.
“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]”
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