ARMLS digitally altered photo rules, explained
Arizona's MLS (ARMLS) now requires agents to disclose digitally altered listing photos. Virtual staging is still allowed. Here's what changed and what to do.
What the rule says
According to ARMLS, digitally altering listing media is allowed, but it requires at a minimum the MLS "Digitally Altered" watermark on the photo, paired with the original, unaltered image. The original must be uploaded directly before or after the altered version. The rule took effect May 28, 2026.
Source: ARMLS, Digitally Altered Media.
Is virtual staging still allowed?
Yes. ARMLS says virtual staging is allowed, but it must be disclosed with a Digitally Altered watermark. "Digitally altered" is broader than staging, so treat edits like virtual twilight and decluttering the same way.
What to do on each listing
- Keep the original photo for every staged, decluttered, or twilight image.
- Add the ARMLS-approved "Digitally Altered" watermark to the edited photo.
- Upload the original directly before or after the edited version.
How Ziplist fits
With Ziplist, staging, declutter, and twilight are edits of a photo you already have in your delivered set, so the original is right there to upload next to the edited version. Check the ARMLS page above for exactly what counts as altered.
This guide is a plain-language summary, not legal or MLS compliance advice. Always follow the current ARMLS rules.