Virtual staging rules in Ontario: RECO & TRESA

The basic rule: don't mislead

Under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA) and its Code of Ethics (O. Reg. 365/22), registrants must not make false or misleading statements in advertising. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) enforces these rules. A staged photo that hides a defect or changes a permanent feature can be misleading.

What you can add

• Movable furniture such as sofas, beds, tables and chairs
• Area rugs, wall art, lamps, plants and tabletop décor
• Bedding, cushions and throws

What should never change

• Walls, ceilings, doors and room size
• Windows, and the view through them
• Flooring, built-in cabinets, counters and fixtures
• Outlets, vents, radiators and other visible features
• Damage or defects that a buyer would want to know about

Disclose it clearly

Label each staged photo as virtually staged, and say so in your listing remarks. A label on the photo itself matters because photos get copied to other websites without the remarks. See our guide to writing MLS remarks for staged photos.

How Truly Staged handles it

• A person checks every image to confirm permanent features are unchanged.
• Every staged photo comes with a "Virtually Staged" corner label already applied.
• Every order includes ready-to-paste MLS remarks.

Who is responsible?

You and your brokerage stay responsible for your advertising. Board and MLS rules can add their own requirements. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with your broker of record or RECO if you're unsure.