Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Real estate agents in Alberta must comply with the Real Estate Act, RSA 2000, c R-5, which governs real estate brokerage, mortgage brokerage, property management, and condominium management. The Act is enforced by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).
Under the Act, all real estate agents must comply with the Real Estate Act Rules, which prohibits real estate agents from making representations that are misleading or deceptive.
RECA's Advertising Guidelines state that consequences for non-compliance with advertising standards range from an advisory note for minor infractions, to discipline under the Act for major violations, which can include fines of up to $25,000 per finding, suspension or cancellation of licence, conditions or restrictions on business activities, and payment of investigation and hearing costs.
Alberta does not currently have published specific guidance on virtual staging, AI-generated content, or digitally altered photos. However, the general prohibition against misleading representations would apply to digitally altered photos or virtual staging that misleads consumers about property condition, features, or characteristics.
Local real estate boards may have additional specific requirements—always check your local board's rules.
Violations of the Real Estate Act or Rules can result in disciplinary action by the Registrar or a Hearing Panel under the Real Estate Act, including letters of reprimand for minor or technical breaches, administrative penalties (with amounts set in Schedule 5 of the Real Estate Act Rules), fines of up to $25,000 per finding of conduct deserving of sanction, payment of investigation and hearing costs, suspension or cancellation of licence, conditions or restrictions on licence and business activities, and prohibition from reapplying for a licence for a specified period. Certain violations may also constitute provincial offences under the Act.
RECA requires accurate representation across all Alberta markets. Staging should be limited to furniture, décor, and soft furnishings that buyers understand aren't included.
Visible watermarking on every staged photograph creates clear disclosure that travels with the image. Position watermarks where they'll remain visible across all platforms—AREA (Alberta Real Estate Association) systems, Realtor.ca, and third-party sites.
Add written disclosure to your listing description: 'Some images in this listing have been virtually staged to showcase the home's potential. Original photographs are available.' This complements visual watermarking with written documentation.
Alberta's major markets attract significant out-of-province buyers, particularly from BC and Ontario. These buyers may not attend showings before making offers—accurate virtual staging with clear disclosure is essential because they're relying heavily on online materials.
"Images have been virtually staged to illustrate the property's potential. Furniture and decor shown are digitally rendered and are not included with the property. Please refer to the original photographs for an accurate representation of the property's current condition."
"This home features virtual staging to help you visualize its potential. The furniture shown is digitally added and not physically present. Schedule a showing to see the actual space. #VirtualStaging #RealEstate"
"This listing includes virtually staged photographs. Digital furniture and decor have been added to help you visualize the space. These items are not present in the physical property. Original photographs are available upon request."
"VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered"
© 2026 MappedBy Inc. All Rights Reserved