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Virtual Staging in Newfoundland & Labrador

Compliance guide for real estate professionals

Allowed with Disclosure

Real estate agents in Newfoundland and Labrador are licensed under the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019, administered by Service NL (Digital Government and Service NL). The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of REALTORS® (NLAR) is a professional association that administers pre-licensing education on behalf of the provincial government but is not the statutory regulator.

The Act does not contain specific virtual staging requirements. However, Section 33 of the Act prohibits false or misleading advertising, and virtual staging that misrepresents a property could fall under these general advertising prohibitions.

⚠️Potential Penalties in Newfoundland & Labrador

False or misleading advertising violations under Section 33 can result in: criminal penalties up to $50,000 fine and/or 2 years imprisonment; superintendent's orders including licence suspension/cancellation, conditions/restrictions, or fines up to $10,000; and orders to stop circulation of false/misleading advertising materials and correct them.

How to Stay Compliant

Clearly disclose virtual staging in all marketing materials

Add written disclosure to your MLS listing remarks and marketing materials noting that virtual staging has been used.

Tip: Transparent disclosure ensures buyers understand the property's actual condition and protects you from complaints under Section 33.

Use watermarks or labels on staged images

Apply visible labels to each virtually staged photograph to create clear, persistent disclosure that travels with the image.

Tip: In NL's smaller market where word-of-mouth matters, transparent disclosure builds trust with the local buyer community.

Provide original unstaged photographs

Include original, unstaged photographs in your listing gallery alongside any virtually staged images.

Tip: NL properties often attract buyers from other Atlantic provinces—providing originals helps build trust with out-of-province buyers unfamiliar with the property.

Only add furniture and décor—never alter permanent features

Virtual staging should be limited to adding furniture, artwork, and removable décor. Never digitally alter structural elements, remove defects, add landscaping, or change permanent fixtures.

Tip: Any alterations that misrepresent the property's actual condition could be considered false or misleading advertising under Section

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Disclosure Templates

— Copy-ready for Canada

MLS Listing

"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."

Social Media

"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"

Property Website

"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."

Image Watermark

"VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered"

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Sources & References

→Real Estate Trading Act, 2019

→Real Estate Trading Regulations (NLR 66/20)

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