Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Real estate professionals in Manitoba are regulated by the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) under the Real Estate Services Act. Section 34 of the Act prohibits providing false or misleading information or documents in real estate transactions. Although MSC has not published specific virtual staging guidance, their rules related to false or misleading advertising would apply to virtual staging.
MSC disciplinary action including monetary penalties up to $500,000, suspension/revocation of registration, conditions/restrictions on registration.
Add written disclosure to your MLS listing description stating that virtual staging has been used. Include this in the first line of your public remarks: 'One or more photos have been virtually staged.'
Watermark each virtually staged photograph with 'Virtually Staged' text. This ensures disclosure travels with the image if shared or downloaded.
Include original, unstaged photographs in your listing gallery alongside virtually staged images. Side-by-side presentation shows buyers both current condition and potential.
Do not digitally remove defects, alter structural elements, or modify anything that would misrepresent the property's actual condition. Virtual staging should only add furniture/decor.
"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"
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