Heads up, LA Real Estate Agents! What you need to know about AB723 Disclosures for 2026.

The rules changed on January 1, 2026. If you use digitally altered photos for marketing a California property, you now have two mandatory actions: Disclose it and Show the original.

It's all about transparency, so let's break down what's actionable for you, fast.

Does Your Photo Need a Disclosure? (The "Altered" List)

You must disclose the edit if you changed the representation of the real property. This includes things that modify, add, or remove permanent features.

If you used digital tools to:

• Virtual Stage a room.

• Green the Grass or fix landscaping.

• Remove power lines, streetlights, or trash cans.

• Add fire to a fireplace or blue water to a pool.

• Virtually Paint walls, change flooring, or update appliances.

• Fix driveway cracks or major stucco blemishes.

Action: You need a disclosure statement and a link to the original.

What Edits Are Fine? (The "Standard" List)

Basic photo corrections are exempt and require no disclosure.

You are fine if you only fixed:

• Exposure, contrast, or shadows.

• White balance and color correction.

• Cropping, straightening, or sharpening.

• Standard blue sky replacement (just making the sky look accurate).

Action: Keep doing what you're doing.

Your 3-Step Compliance Checklist

Compliance is now part of your workflow. Here's what you need to do for every digitally altered photo:

1. Get the Original File Make sure your photographer delivers both the altered file and the original, unaltered file for any image that falls into the "Altered" list above.

2. Post a Clear Disclosure Right next to the altered photo (on your listing, flyer, or ad), you must include a "reasonably conspicuous" statement:

Example: "This image has been digitally altered. See original version here."

3. Link to the Original Image That disclosure statement must include a link (a URL or QR code) that takes the buyer directly to a public site where they can view the original, unaltered photo.

Pro-Tip: If you control the property website, setting up a specific gallery with both the "Altered" and "Original" versions is the cleanest way to satisfy the linking requirement.

All of your Walz Street Photography media will be sent in a compliant format.