California Legislature virtual-staging disclosure
AB 723 requires a conspicuous disclosure on or adjacent to a digitally altered image and access to the original image through a link, URL, or QR code. On a licensee-controlled site, the original image or a link to it must also be provided.
- Applies to
- Digitally altered images used by a real-estate licensee in advertising
California residential-property advertising beginning January 1, 2026 - Status
- Explicit requirement
- Last verified
- 2026-08-09
- Next review
- 2026-11-09
What the source says
AB 723 requires a conspicuous disclosure on or adjacent to a digitally altered image and access to the original image through a link, URL, or QR code. On a licensee-controlled site, the original image or a link to it must also be provided.
Read the primary source: AB-723 Real estate: digitally altered images
Disclosure wording
The statute requires a conspicuous statement that the image was digitally altered; it does not prescribe one exact phrase.
Edits the source prohibits or limits
- Presenting a covered digitally altered image without the required disclosure
- Withholding the original-image access required by the statute
Stylst practical guidance—not policy
Use “Virtually staged—digitally altered” on or beside the image and place the original immediately beside it or behind an obvious original-photo link.
Agent checklist
- Open the primary source and confirm it has not changed.
- Check the state, MLS, brokerage, and destination portal; follow the strictest applicable rule.
- Label each altered image and retain the unaltered original.
- Do not alter permanent features, condition, dimensions, views, or surroundings.
- Save evidence of the rule and your original image with the listing file.
Corrections
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