Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Quebec is regulated by OACIQ (Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec). Virtual staging must comply with honest advertising requirements.
OACIQ disciplinary proceedings, fines, license suspension.
Quebec's French language laws mean marketing materials should include French disclosure. Use 'Mise en scène virtuelle' (virtual staging) or 'Images numériquement modifiées' (digitally modified images) in watermarks and written disclosure. Bilingual labelling ensures all buyers understand.
OACIQ regulates courtiers immobiliers (real estate brokers) and enforces advertising standards under the Real Estate Brokerage Act. Virtual staging that creates a 'false impression' breaches these rules. Clear, prominent disclosure demonstrates compliance.
Include unstaged photographs in your Centris listing gallery. Quebec buyers expect transparency, and providing originals demonstrates good faith. Label them clearly: 'Photos actuelles' (current photos) versus 'Mise en scène virtuelle' (virtual staging).
Montreal's heated real estate market means buyers make quick decisions, often without extensive viewings. Accurate staging with clear disclosure is essential because buyers may rely heavily on listing photos. Sophisticated Montreal buyers will notice—and complain about—misleading imagery.
OACIQ can impose significant penalties for advertising violations: fines, conditions on permits, suspension, and revocation. Virtual staging complaints are investigated under honest advertising requirements. Treat OACIQ compliance seriously.
"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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