What are the virtual staging rules under California AB 723?

California Assembly Bill 723, effective January 1, 2026, is the strictest virtual staging disclosure law in the U.S. It requires: (1) a clear written disclosure to prospective buyers for any listing photo that has been digitally altered—adding, removing, or modifying physical features including furniture, flooring, walls, appliances, or landscaping; (2) the original unaltered image must be accessible to buyers; (3) willful non-disclosure is classified as a criminal misdemeanor with civil liability exposure. Every California real estate licensee must comply. Other states including Wisconsin and Colorado have similar laws taking effect through 2026–2027.