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AB 723 and your listing photos: what San Diego agents need to know in 2026

Short version: since January 1, 2026, California's AB 723 requires that digitally altered listing photos be disclosed, which makes unedited originals and clearly labeled virtual staging the safe default. Kanyon Studio delivers both with every $325 listing shoot, and virtual staging is $35 per photo, labeled.

California’s AB 723 took effect January 1, 2026. It changes how edited listing photos have to be handled — and it is already an MLS compliance issue in San Diego. Here is the short version, and how your photo delivery from Kanyon Studio handles it.

What the law covers

Per SDMLS guidance, AB 723 applies to photos that are digitally altered to add, remove, or materially change physical features of a property — things like virtual staging, swapped fixtures, or features that do not exist. Basic brightness and color correction does not count as altered.

What you have to do

Altered images have to be clearly disclosed as digitally altered, and the unaltered original has to be available and paired with the altered version. SDMLS has its own labeling and pairing workflow, and brokers stay responsible for compliance across all advertising — social media included, not just the MLS. Confirm the details with your broker or attorney; this page is a summary, not legal advice.

How Kanyon Studio delivers for this

Every shoot is delivered AB 723-ready: you always receive the unaltered originals alongside any edited image, and any image with a material edit is flagged so you can label and pair it in the MLS without digging. Standard color and exposure work needs no disclosure, and that is what most listings get — clean, accurate photos that do not need an asterisk.

Next-day, disclosure-ready listing photos — $325 flat
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Quick answers

Does sky replacement need disclosure?
A replaced sky changes what the photo shows, so treat it as an edit to disclose — ask your broker how they want it labeled. If you would rather skip the question entirely, twilight and golden-hour shoots get the look without the edit.
Does virtual staging need disclosure?
Yes — virtual staging is the textbook example of a digitally altered image under the SDMLS guidance, and it must be paired with the unaltered original.
Do I get the originals with my shoot?
Yes. Unaltered originals are included with every Kanyon Studio delivery at no extra charge.

Sources: SDMLS AB 723 requirements (sdmls.com). Effective January 1, 2026. Always confirm current requirements with your broker.