Explicit requirement

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) virtual-staging disclosure

BCFSA warns licensees not to alter or enhance property photos in a way that misrepresents the property and recommends a disclaimer whenever an image could be ambiguous.

Applies to
British Columbia real-estate advertising by licensees
Status
Explicit requirement
Last verified
2026-08-09
Next review
2026-11-09

What the source says

BCFSA warns licensees not to alter or enhance property photos in a way that misrepresents the property and recommends a disclaimer whenever an image could be ambiguous.

Read the primary source: Advertising Checklist and Sample Advertising

Disclosure wording

Use a disclaimer when an altered image may create ambiguity; the checklist does not prescribe one exact phrase.

Edits the source prohibits or limits

  • Altering or enhancing a photo so that it misrepresents the property

Stylst practical guidance—not policy

Place “Virtually staged—image digitally altered” directly beside the image and make the original easy to review.

Agent checklist

  1. Open the primary source and confirm it has not changed.
  2. Check the state, MLS, brokerage, and destination portal; follow the strictest applicable rule.
  3. Label each altered image and retain the unaltered original.
  4. Do not alter permanent features, condition, dimensions, views, or surroundings.
  5. Save evidence of the rule and your original image with the listing file.

Corrections

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