Which photo edits does Stellar MLS allow?

Our reading as of , from the sources below. Not legal advice.

Short answer

Brightening is fine. Staged furniture is allowed inside and, outside, only unattached furniture or décor, disclosed three ways. Changing permanent fixtures, removing utility lines, adding landscaping or hiding flaws isn't allowed at all.

  1. Brightening an underexposed photo is fine. Stellar's labeling rule covers virtual staging.
  2. Disclose staging three ways: "Virtually staged" in the photo description, the virtually staged box checked, and public remarks that begin "One or more photo(s) was virtually staged."
  3. No adding, removing or changing permanent fixtures, no removing utility lines, no adding landscaping and no hiding flaws, even with a label.

What Retouch Homes does in Stellar MLS

On by default, no label
Straightening, leveling and cropping, which Stellar doesn't restrict. Exposure and color come next.
Planned
A new sky. Stellar doesn't name the sky but bans adding what isn't possible from the spot, so for Stellar listings it stays off.
We don't do
Removing permanent fixtures or utility lines, and adding landscaping, which Stellar bans even with a label.

Edit by edit

Exposure and color in Stellar MLS

No label

Stellar's photo guidance lists brightening an underexposed photo as allowed, and its disclosure rule covers virtual staging. Color correction isn't named.

Source 2, 1· our reading, no rule names it

Straightening and lens in Stellar MLS

No label

Not named. Stellar bans distorting a room's dimensions, which straightening doesn't do.

Source 1· our reading, no rule names it

Cropping in Stellar MLS

No label

Not named. The front exterior photo must still show most of the home or building.

Source 3· our reading, no rule names it

New sky in Stellar MLS

Unclear: label it

Not named. Stellar allows twilight photos with a true sun position but bans adding elements outside the owner's control that aren't possible from the spot. Ask Stellar before replacing a sky.

Label text
Digitally altered
Show the original?
Not required.
Where the label goes
The photo description field. Stellar sets no words for a sky, so ask Stellar first.

Source 1· our reading, no rule names it

Grass and landscape in Stellar MLS

Not allowed

Exterior photos can't be virtually staged except for unattached furniture or décor, and Stellar's guidance says you can't add landscape plantings.

Source 1, 2

Removing clutter in Stellar MLS

Label

Removing furniture is a permitted use of virtual staging, and the guidance allows removing items that are easily removable in real life. Disclose it like staging. Hiding flaws is banned.

Label text
Virtually staged
Show the original?
Not required.
Where the label goes
The photo description field, the virtually staged box, and the first words of the public remarks.

Source 1, 2· our reading, no rule names it

Removing fixed features or surroundings in Stellar MLS

Not allowed

Permanent fixtures can't be attached, removed, altered or added, and the guidance says you can't remove utility lines. Adding a view that isn't possible from the spot is banned too.

Source 1, 2

Virtual staging in Stellar MLS

Label

Adding or swapping furniture and décor is allowed inside, and outside only for unattached furniture or décor. Not on pre-construction or under-construction listings.

Label text
Virtually staged
Show the original?
Not required.
Where the label goes
The photo description field, the virtually staged box, and public remarks that begin "One or more photo(s) was virtually staged."

Source 1

Day to dusk in Stellar MLS

Label

Stellar lists twilight photos among the permitted uses of virtual staging, as long as no light is added where none exists and the sun is where it really rises or sets. We read that as needing the staging disclosure.

Label text
Virtually staged
Show the original?
Not required.
Where the label goes
The photo description field, the virtually staged box, and the first words of the public remarks.

Source 1· our reading, no rule names it

AI-generated image in Stellar MLS

Unclear: label it

Stellar allows a front exterior rendering, and photos must give a true picture of the property. No rule covers a generated image of an existing home. Label it as a rendering, in the description, not on the image.

Label text
Digital rendering, not a photo.

Source 1, 3· our reading, no rule names it

Label text to copy

Virtually staged

Stellar's exact words, in the photo description field. Also check the virtually staged box and start the public remarks with "One or more photo(s) was virtually staged." No words on the photo itself: Stellar bans them.

The rule, word for word

“…No permanent fixtures of the interior or exterior of the property shall be attached, removed, altered or added to photos.…”

Stellar MLS Rules and Regulations, Article 04.04: Virtually Staged Photos. Our summary above isn't binding; the source is.

Questions agents ask

How do I disclose virtual staging in Stellar MLS?

Three ways at once: type "Virtually staged" in the photo description field, check the virtually staged box, and start the public remarks with "One or more photo(s) was virtually staged."

Can I remove power lines from a Stellar MLS listing photo?

No. Stellar's guidance says you can't remove utility lines, and its rule bars attaching, removing, altering or adding permanent fixtures.

Are twilight photos allowed in Stellar MLS?

Yes, as long as no light is added where none exists and the sunset or sunrise is where the sun really sets or rises. Stellar lists them under virtual staging.

Does Stellar MLS require the original photo next to a staged one?

No. Stellar's rule asks for the three disclosures, not the unstaged original.

What's the fine for breaking Stellar MLS's virtual staging rules?

The photos are removed and an automatic Level I fine applies: $100, then $250, then $500, then $1,000 with a hearing. Further offenses can reach $15,000 and suspension.

Sources

  1. Stellar MLS Rules and Regulations, Article 04.04: Virtually Staged Photos · September 27, 2026 · primary source · checked November 9, 2026
  2. Stellar MLS, Photo Rules (virtual staging: you can, you cannot) · primary source · checked November 9, 2026
  3. Stellar MLS Rules and Regulations, full text (Article 04.05 and the Article 11 fine schedule) · November 6, 2026 · primary source · checked November 9, 2026

Our reading as of November 9, 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change, so check the sources before you rely on them. See all markets.