Several updates to the CVR MLS Rules and Regulations take effect October 1, 2026. The changes address listing photographs, virtual staging, adjacent lots, and the use of CVR MLS data with artificial intelligence tools. Review the following requirements before entering or updating a listing or using MLS information with outside technology.

What is Changing?

Photographs and Virtual Tours

• This clarification change supports current enforcement rules prohibiting people and any type of advertising in listing photos and virtual tours. 

Virtual Staging

Virtual staging in listing photos is on the rise.  To ensure full transparency and proper representation of the listing property condition, CVR MLS is expanding virtual staging requirements: 

• Agents will still be required to include language in the public Remarks field that indicates the presence of virtually staged photos. 
• Agents will also be required to include a “Virtual Staging” watermark on all photos that have been virtually staged,
• Finally, agents must include an unaltered photo of the same view or angle of the virtually staged photo. 

Adjacent Lots

This rule has been updated to provide clearer guidance on how to list adjacent lots offered together or independently in a sale:

• Adjacent lot offered separately

• Enter the adjacent lot as a separate active MLS listing.
• The REMARKS field may state that an adjacent lot is separately available but may not imply that it is included in the listing or listing price.
• The Agent Comments field may include the lot’s address, PID, active MLS number, current listing price, and additional details.

• Adjacent lot included in the listing

• Identify both parcels in the listing agreement.
• Ensure the listing price and Listing Content reflect that both parcels are included.
• Clearly state in the REMARKS field that the adjacent lot will be conveyed with the listed property; the lot’s address and PID may also be included.
• A separate MLS listing is not required when the adjacent lot is not offered separately.

Use of CVR MLS Data with Artificial Intelligence Tools

We know that agents are exploring the efficiencies of AI.  However, to protect CVR MLS listing data and prevent unmanaged data exposure, please note these important limitations:

• Users may not allow an artificial intelligence tool or service that is not provided or expressly approved by CVR MLS to access the MLS Database or Listing Content.
• This includes access through MLS login credentials, browser extensions, automated tools, scraping, downloading, uploading, copying, pasting, or any other method.
• Do not copy, paste, upload, or otherwise transmit CVR MLS Listing Content to an outside AI tool. 
• AI features within a CVR MLS provided tool may be used as offered. Use through an approved CVR MLS data license is permitted only as authorized by CVR MLS and subject to the applicable license agreement and the Rules and Regulations.

More information

Visit our Resource Page for a redline version of the rules and a historical summary of CVR MLS rules changes.

Questions

CVR Compliance staff is here to answer any questions and help navigate these new rules.  Contact us at [email protected] or (804) 422-5004.