Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Virtual staging is permitted across Ontario with mandatory disclosure under REBBA. RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) regulates all agents province-wide. Local real estate boards (like TRREB in the GTA, OREA members elsewhere) may have additional specific requirements—always check your local board's rules.
RECO disciplinary action for misrepresentation. Fines, conditions on registration, suspension, or revocation possible.
Under REBBA, misleading advertising can result in RECO disciplinary action. Watermark each virtually staged image with text like 'Virtually Staged' or 'Digital Staging' positioned where it remains visible across all platforms—your local MLS, Realtor.ca, and third-party sites.
Ontario has many local real estate boards with varying photo requirements. For example, TRREB (Greater Toronto Area) requires original unstaged photos alongside staged versions. Ottawa, London, Hamilton, and other boards may have different specific requirements. Always confirm with your board.
RECO's Code of Ethics requires accurate representation across all Ontario markets. Altering walls, windows, flooring, countertops, or other permanent features constitutes misrepresentation. Staging should be limited to furniture, décor, and soft furnishings that buyers understand aren't included.
Add explicit disclosure text to your MLS listing description: 'Some photos in this listing have been virtually staged to showcase the home's potential. Original photos are included in the gallery.' Written disclosure complements visual labelling and applies province-wide.
RECO regulates all Ontario real estate agents regardless of which local board you belong to. RECO has authority to impose fines, conditions on registration, suspension, and revocation for advertising violations. Virtual staging complaints are investigated under REBBA's prohibitions on false, misleading, or deceptive advertising.
TRREB (Toronto Regional Real Estate Board) has explicit rules requiring original photos alongside staged versions. Include original photos directly in your MLS gallery—not just 'available upon request.' TRREB enforces these rules and can fine members for violations.
"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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