MLS Rules – MetroList Information Center

MLS Rules

MLS Rules are the cornerstone to how MetroList Participants and Subscribers interact with the real estate data that allows the MLS system to operate equitably and with the highest level of data integrity.

MLS Rules Quick Links:
Videos
Helpful Handouts & Links
The Most Asked About MLS Rules
CheckIT (listing data accuracy tool)

MetroNet_2025_12_23__Rules_Photos_Prospector

Starting January 1, 2026, California AB 723 introduces new requirements for using digitally altered images in real estate advertising and promotional materials. MetroList has adopted supporting rules to help subscribers follow AB 723 when entering digitally altered images in the MLS. Digitally altered images are still allowed in the MLS, but they must include disclosures required under MetroList MLS Rule 11.6.1.

Key Highlights of Digitally Altered Images:

Digitally altered images are those that materially change the appearance of a property and could mislead consumers (e.g., virtual staging, altered finishes, modified views, AI-generated elements).
Basic photo enhancements (brightness, color correction, cropping, sharpening) are not considered digital alterations.

Key Highlights of MetroList MLS Rule 11.6.1:

Include a reasonably conspicuous disclosure statement located on or adjacent to the altered image stating that the image has been digitally altered.
Include a publicly accessible link, URL, or QR code within that disclosure that clearly identifies the original, unaltered image(s) and indicates that the unaltered image(s) can be accessed via the provided link, URL, or QR code.
Upload the original, unaltered version of the image with the listing (MetroList recommends placing the unaltered image immediately next to the altered version in the photo order).

Coming mid-January, MetroList will release a tool to help identify digitally altered images and apply compliant watermarks.

Please review the updated MLS Rules in the MLS Toolkit module on your MLS Dashboard. These changes take effect on February 2, 2026.

Digitally Altered Images FAQs

Helpful Handouts & Links

Citations

Report a Violation

Closed Listing Changes and 10.1.1 Rule

Contact Compliance within 30 Days of the Closed Date to make necessary updates.

10.1.1 Final Sale shall be defined as the recording of a deed or other document in the applicable real estate records transferring title to property listed in the MLS. Information regarding a Final Sale with the correct buyer’s agent information and the correct sales information shall be entered into the MLS by the seller’s agent within three (3) days of the date of the Final Sale. Failure to do so will result in an automatic fine as set forth in Addendum B. Any changes to information entered in the MLS regarding a 28 ©2024 MetroList Services, Inc. MLS Rules Effective Date January 1, 2024 Final Sale may only be made within thirty (30) days after the date of the Final Sale with the consent of the listing broker’s office

Clearing DOM/CDOM

You can clear out just the DOM on a new listing by creating a new listing at any time and the listing will appear as “New” again on the hot sheets for 5 Days in the MLS. The CDOM number count will stay and keep accruing with the new listing.By waiting 31 Full Days from the Inactive Date on the previous listing & going Active again on the 32nd Day, that will Clear BOTH the DOM/CDOM, as well as showing as “New” and on the hot sheets for 5 Days in the MLS.

How Does HOLD Status Work?

Sold Off MLS Status

Sold Off MLS is an optional status:

Should you elect to add a Sold Off MLS listing, it must be entered into the MLS within 14 days of the close of escrow and must have a valid listing agreement or purchase contract.
To enter a Sold Off MLS listing, a fully executed MetroList Permission to Post form or its equivalent (page 12 of the RPA) must be completed and retained in your records in the event it is requested by our Compliance Department.
Listings cannot be transitioned into Sold Off MLS status from any other status.
Sold Off MLS listings must have a primary photo uploaded.
The Pending Bring Backup status was retired and set to legacy on June 11, 2025.
Note: Listings in the Pending Bring Back Up status will remain in effect until the status has been updated by the Listing Agent.
Contingent-Show and Contingent-No Show are still in effect.

Additional Resources:

Sold Off MLS Aid
What Is Your On Market Status? (Contingent Status Aid)
Sold Off MLS FAQs

The Most Asked About MLS Rules

1. Your Agent Id, Password and Lockbox Key are provided for your use only. Never share them with anyone.

2. All listings entered into the MLS must have a valid listing agreement.

3. All data entered into the MLS about your listing should be accurate, timely and meaningful.

4. Mandatory Submission of a Listing 3 Calendar Day Rule (MLS Rule 7.6)

a) Listings must be entered into the MLS; or
- Listing goes live immediately and is viewable by all.

b) Listing must be entered with future On Market Date.
- Absolutely no marketing of the property. (includes: Coming Soon Signs)
- On Market Date may be up to 120 days from listing date.
- Viewable by Office Only.
- When On Market Date is reached, the listing goes live immediately, is viewable by all and the Days on Market is Zero. (DOM will NOT accrue from original listing date.)

c) Listing Waiver, signed by seller, must be submitted to the service within 3 calendar days or
- No restrictions on marketing the property.
- Listing is withheld from MLS, while pre-marketing or during entire listing period.
- Post waiver, if listed with the MLS, the On Market Date shall equal the Listing Date. (DOM will accrue from original listing date)
- Should you elect to add a Sold Off MLS listing it must be entered into the MLS within 14 days of the close of escrow and must have a valid listing agreement or purchase contract.

5. Report all changes in status within three (3) calendar days.

CheckIT is an optional tool designed to help agents identify potential infractions when used. While CheckIT is highly effective, it may not detect all potential infractions in the initial use, you may receive a notice for any additional infractions not initially detected when using the CheckIT tool.

CheckIT Benefits

Reviews data input at entry

CheckIT against MLS Rules to help avoid any rules violations

CheckIT compares entered data against county tax records

In the fast paced world in which we live, CheckIT offers one more level of checks and balance

CheckIT delivers a better client experience and potentially reduces liability

CheckIT will significantly improve the accuracy of listing information for brokers, agents and millions of home buyers and sellers. Having this system to monitor data input will ensure continuity in the data, improve the customer experience and potentially reduce liability issues for our subscribers.

How CheckIT Works