AB 723 Compliance: What Real Estate Photographers Need to Know About Altered Images

What Is AB 723?

California's AB 723 requires real estate photographers and marketers to clearly disclose when listing images have been digitally altered. This includes virtual staging, sky replacements, object removal, and any AI-enhanced edits that change the appearance of a property.

Why It Matters

Buyers rely on listing photos to make major financial decisions. Undisclosed alterations can mislead buyers about the true condition, size, or appearance of a property — creating legal liability for agents, photographers, and sellers alike.

What Counts as an Alteration?

Under AB 723, the following require disclosure:

• Virtual staging (adding furniture to empty rooms)
• Virtual decluttering (removing existing furniture or objects)
• Sky replacement or enhancement
• Removal of power lines, cars, or other elements
• AI-generated enhancements that change the property's appearance

What Does NOT Require Disclosure

Standard photo editing such as brightness, contrast, color correction, and lens distortion fixes are generally considered acceptable without disclosure, as they do not misrepresent the property.

How whaBAM! Photography Handles Compliance

At whaBAM! Photography, every altered image is clearly labeled. We provide disclosure-ready deliverables so your listings stay compliant and your clients stay protected. Our virtual staging and decluttering services include proper labeling as required by AB 723.

Have questions about compliance for your listings? Contact us today.