Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Real estate agents in Prince Edward Island must be licensed under the Real Estate Trading Act. Members of the Prince Edward Island Real Estate Association (PEIREA) must follow PEIREA Rules & Regulations Section 16, which contains specific virtual staging requirements.
PEIREA defines virtual staging as digitally adding furniture and décor to help buyers understand room dimensions. When using virtually staged photos, agents must disclose this in the public remarks on the MLS® System. Images that change permanent features of the property (like removing walls, adding landscaping, or adding garages) are prohibited on PEIREA's MLS® System and will be removed.
Under the Real Estate Trading Act Section 45, violations are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offence and up to $2,000 for each subsequent offence. Under Section 4(3), the Minister may suspend, revoke, or cancel a license where such action is in the public interest. PEIREA may remove listings that violate virtual staging rules from the MLS® System. Additional penalties for PEIREA members are determined by PEIREA's Professional Standards Committee.
When using virtually staged photos, you must disclose this in the public remarks on the MLS® System.
You can add a note in the property overview section or label individual photos as digitally staged.
PEIREA's guidance is specific: virtual staging should help buyers understand room dimensions by showing furniture placement. Don't use staging to make rooms appear larger, hide features, or alter the property's character.
PEIREA explicitly prohibits 'virtual enhancements that change, remove, add or augment features affecting property value.' This includes removing walls, adding landscaping, changing flooring, or altering exterior views. Violations can result in listing removal.
"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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