2026 compliance guide for real estate professionals • Reviewed September 10, 2026
Section 112 of Quebec's brokerage conduct and advertising regulation prohibits false, misleading, incomplete, or confusing advertising. OACIQ's Advertising Guideline, updated June 17, 2026, expressly addresses AI-generated images, including virtual staging. Advertisements using them must carry a clear, visible AI disclosure. Its example is 'Image generated by artificial intelligence.'
Brokers remain responsible for reviewing the content. AI must not conceal defects, change structures, or misrepresent the property. OACIQ also directs brokers to retain relevant records, including original photos, so originals can be supplied on request. Confirm listing-platform requirements as well.
Section 98 of the Real Estate Brokerage Act permits disciplinary fines of $2,500 to $62,500 for each count, with the minimum and maximum doubled for a second or subsequent offence. Other sanctions include reprimands, licence restrictions, suspension, or revocation. These are general disciplinary sanctions.
Use a clear, visible AI statement when the image was generated using AI. A staging note alone may not communicate that fact.
Keep original photographs and document your review. Make the original available when requested.
Compare every generated image with the original before publishing. Keep room dimensions, windows, finishes, fixtures, exterior views, and visible defects accurate. Adding furniture should not create the impression that renovations have already been completed.
Ask your brokerage and board for their current image rules, including required labels, captions, original photographs, and display order. Review the published result on each marketing channel; a disclosure in one place may not accompany a syndicated image.
Describe the edits accurately and replace every bracketed placeholder. Check the required wording, image placement, MLS fields, and original-photo access described above. Use custom image labels only where permitted. A template does not authorise an otherwise prohibited or misleading alteration.
“Image générée par l'intelligence artificielle.”
“Le mobilier a été ajouté numériquement et n'est pas présent dans la propriété.”
“La photo originale est disponible sur demande.”
Guide reviewed September 10, 2026. Links below include legislation, regulator guidance, and board or MLS materials. Their scope differs: a board rule is not statewide law, and a regulator homepage is not proof that no other rules exist. This guide does not verify every local MLS policy. Confirm the current requirements before publishing.
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