California AB 723 Guide | Virtual Staging and AI Editing
AB 723 takes effect in California on January 1st. It requires clear labels on any real estate image or video that has been digitally modified in a way that changes the physical appearance of the property. This includes virtual staging and certain types of AI edits.
My goal is to keep you compliant and protect your listings. I have always worked with an ethical approach, and this law fits into the way I already operate.
What AB723 Changes for Real Estate Marketing
Any image or video that adds or removes items must show a disclosure.
The goal is clarity. Buyers must know when something in the listing media is not physically present.
Basic edits remain allowed.
Color, exposure, window corrections, and sky swaps do not need labels.
How Virtual Staging Must Be Disclosed
All virtual staging now needs a small label. It must appear on the image itself. The disclosure cannot be placed only in captions or descriptions.
This includes:
• Furniture
• Decor
• Plants
• Artwork
• Landscaping
• Digital room improvements
The label I use will be clean and minimal. It will not affect your marketing.
How AI Editing Fits Into the Law
AI edits are included when they alter the structure or condition of real property.
Edits that need disclosure:
• Removing damage
• Changing floors or surfaces
• Removing walls
• Adding fixtures that do not exist
• Changing landscaping
Edits that do not need disclosure:
• Color and tone corrections
• Sky swaps
• Minor cleanup
I follow a clear AI policy to keep your listings safe. View my Terms of Service
What I Do to Keep You Compliant
I will label every virtual staged file I create. You will have both the before and after images delivered.
If I perform any AI edits that change the physical condition of real property, I will add a disclosure as well.
If you have older staged files used in MLS or on social media, I can update them with new labels.
Simple Disclosure Captions You Can Use
Below are short disclosure lines that meet the AB 723 requirement.
Agents can copy and paste these into MLS remarks, marketing notes, brochures, or any place where extra clarity helps.
• Some images include virtual staging for visualization only.
• Select photos include digital enhancements for marketing.
• Virtual furniture added for scale and layout reference.
• AI edits made to improve clarity, not to change property condition.
Property Website or Flyer Disclaimers
Useful when the listing has several modified assets.
• Photos marked as staged or digitally enhanced reflect possible layout and design options. Actual property conditions may vary.
• Images marked as digitally modified are for marketing purposes.
• Virtual staging used in marked images to show potential use of space.
This keeps your clients protected, keeps you protected, and shows buyers exactly what is real and what is digitally enhanced.
Update Your Older Virtual Staging Photos
If you want your older files updated, send me the property address. I will prepare compliant versions.
AI work must follow the same rules as virtual staging. If the edit changes the physical condition, it needs a disclosure.
My AI policy is listed in my Terms of Service for clarity. It outlines what I will and will not do. It also explains my commitment to protecting you from legal issues tied to AI misuse.
Final Notes
My goal remains the same. Support your business. Protect you from issues. Deliver strong media that helps you move forward with confidence.
If you have virtual staging, AI edits, or adjusted files you want updated for compliance, send the address and I will take care of it.
If you have questions, reach out anytime.
Do all photos need labels?
No. Only images with digital modifications that change the physical appearance and real property of the space.
Basic edits are not included.
Do videos need disclosure?
Yes. If the video contains digital changes that alter the condition or appearance of the property, it requires disclosure.
Do sky swaps need labels?
Sky swaps do not. They do not change the property condition.
Window replacements do if the edit changes the structure or shows a feature that is not installed.
What about AI edits?
If the edit changes the structure or condition, it needs disclosure.
Can you update my older staged photos?
If the images remain active on the MLS or on public platforms, it is smart to update them.
Tell me the property and I will provide new labeled versions.
Will the labels hurt my marketing?
No. The disclosure is small, clean, and required.
Buyers have come to expect transparency. This protects you.
Can I still request object removal?
Yes, within reason.
If the edit changes property condition, I will label the image.
If the edit is minor cleanup, it will not need a label.
Will you refuse certain AI edits?
Yes. If the request puts you at risk, I will decline.
I work with your best interest in mind.