What is AB 723?
California AB 723 established disclosure requirements for certain digitally altered real estate images. CRMLS also has its own rules governing digitally altered images submitted to the MLS. Together, these requirements are intended to give buyers a clearer understanding of when listing photos have been digitally modified.
Important: California law and MLS rules are not identical. This page explains both AB 723 and the current CRMLS requirements that apply to digitally altered listing images.
Standard Editing vs. Altered Images
Standard Editing
No disclosure needed
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Brightness and exposure correction
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Color correction and white balance
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Window exposure balancing
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Straightening and cropping
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Sharpening and image-quality corrections
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TV screen glare/reflection correction*
These edits improve image quality and do not change the image content. No disclosure is required because the property's appearance or features have not been altered in a materially meaningful way.
Digitally Altered Images
Disclosure + original required in CRMLS
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Virtual staging
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Virtual decluttering involving furniture or appliances
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Adding, removing, or changing furniture
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Adding, removing, or changing appliances
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AI-generated changes to furniture or appliances
For CRMLS, the altered image must be identified in the photo description, and the corresponding original image must be uploaded immediately before or after it.
Property Changes
Generally not allowed in CRMLS
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Changing landscaping or hardscape
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Changing walls, windows, flooring, cabinetry, or paint colors
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Adding, removing, or changing permanent fixtures
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Altering neighboring properties, utility poles, streetlights, or other surroundings
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Altering views visible through windows
CRMLS generally prohibits images that digitally change the real property or its surroundings. A limited exception applies when the property will actually be improved to match the altered image by close of escrow as part of the listed price.
Digitally Altered Image Requirements
Clear Disclosure
Digitally altered images should be clearly identified. In CRMLS, qualifying altered images must be identified in the photo description field (for example, “Virtually Staged” or “Digitally Altered”).
Original Image
For CRMLS, the corresponding original image must also be uploaded to the listing and placed immediately before or after the altered image.
Transparency
Follow the Property Rules
Disclosure does not make every alteration acceptable. CRMLS generally prohibits digitally changing the property itself or its surroundings, except in limited circumstances.
How Rae Allen Media Helps
We help make this simple so you know what you're receiving and what may require disclosure. For agents in Corona and surrounding Southern California areas, we:
✔ Provide clean, natural real estate photography
✔ Clearly identify digitally altered images at delivery
✔ Provide corresponding original images for qualifying alterations
✔ Follow current CRMLS requirements when creating and delivering listing media
✔ Help you understand which images may require disclosure
Our goal is to help your listing look great while giving you the images and information you need to follow current requirements.
We Serve
We help agents across Southern California navigate photo-editing requirements while keeping their listing media clean and professional.
● Corona
● Riverside County
● Orange County
● San Bernardino County
● Parts of Los Angeles County
Questions About Edited Listing Photos?
Not sure how an edited image should be handled?
Feel free to reach out. We're happy to take a look and help you understand how the image was edited and what current CRMLS guidance says about that type of alteration.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and reflects our current understanding of California requirements and CRMLS rules. Requirements may change, and other MLSs and marketing platforms may have different rules. Agents and brokers are responsible for verifying and complying with the requirements that apply to their listings.