4 things to fix before you upload to SDMLS
- FixDisclose in the photo caption or description.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
- FixTake the label off the photo: this board bars text on listing photos.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
“Digitally altered images must not include text, watermarks, contact information, or promotional material. Submission of a digitally altered image without required disclosure and original-image access constitutes a violation, subject to citation and removal under Section 14 (Violations, Sanctions).”§ 7.4.4 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
- FixAdd the unedited original photo to the listing.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
- FixLink the staged photo’s disclosure to the unedited original.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
- OKAdded furniture or decor: allowed with disclosure.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
- OKUse these exact words: “Digitally Altered”.
“If the listing broker includes a digitally altered image on any submission to the service, the broker must follow the MLS’s published instructions for obtaining the publicly accessible URL of the original image and placing that URL in the description field of the altered image: (a) Include the label “Digitally Altered” on the digitally altered image. The listing broker is not permitted to watermark or embed the disclosure directly onto the photo itself. (b) Upload a copy of the image free of digital alteration (“the original image”) to the service, to which the service will assign a public URL. (c) Copy the service’s public URL from the original image. (d) Paste the service’s public URL for the original image into the description field of the digitally altered image.”§ 7.4.3 · San Diego MLS Rules & Regulations (April 2026)
Photo caption or description: Digitally Altered. The unaltered photo can be viewed at [link to the original photo].
This check compares your answers with the rules RELTO has read. It does not inspect the photo and is not legal advice or an MLS approval. Rules change, so confirm with your board before you upload. Don’t see your board? Find it in the MLS rules guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this check look at my photo?
No. It compares what you tell it you changed, and how you are disclosing it, with the rules RELTO has read in your board’s own rulebook. It does not inspect the image, and it is not legal advice or an MLS approval.
Which MLS boards does it cover?
The boards whose rulebook RELTO has quoted line by line on its MLS rules pages. Every line in a result cites the rule it rests on and links to the board’s published rules. Boards are added as their rulebooks are read.
What does “Rulebook is silent” mean?
The rules RELTO read don’t address that edit or that disclosure. It is not a yes. Confirm with your board before you upload.
Can I put a “Virtually Staged” watermark on every listing photo?
Not everywhere. Some boards bar text on listing photos and want the disclosure in the remarks or a photo field instead, while others prescribe their own on-image wording. The check tells you which applies to your board.
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