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TNMLS rules, no AI-specific statute

Tennessee AI Virtual Staging Compliance

No AI statute; REALTRACS + MAAR MLS rules + TN Consumer Protection Act apply

Last updated Sources linked belowInformation, not legal advice

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The short answer

Tennessee has no AI-specific real estate statute. REALTRACS (Nashville) and MAAR MLS (Memphis) require disclosure of digitally altered listing photos. The TN Consumer Protection Act (T.C.A. §47-18-101) provides a private right of action with possible treble damages for willful violations.

Legal basis: REALTRACS + MAAR MLS rules + TN Real Estate Commission advertising rules + TN Consumer Protection Act (§47-18-101).

Key facts for Tennessee agents

  • REALTRACS — dominant Nashville metro MLS — requires disclosure of altered listing photos.
  • MAAR MLS (Memphis Area Association of REALTORS) — same disclosure framework.
  • TN Real Estate Commission applies advertising rules to all listing content.
  • TN Consumer Protection Act allows private action; treble damages possible for willful violations.

MLS rules in Tennessee

  • REALTRACS Aligned disclosure

    Nashville metro. Disclosure required.

  • MAAR MLS Aligned disclosure

    Memphis Area Association of REALTORS. Same disclosure framework.

MLS rules change often. Check your MLS’s current rules and any wording it prescribes before publishing.

Tennessee virtual staging FAQ

Is there a law on virtual staging in Tennessee?

Tennessee has no statute written specifically for AI-altered listing photos, as of May 20, 2026. REALTRACS + MAAR MLS rules + TN Real Estate Commission advertising rules + TN Consumer Protection Act (§47-18-101).

Do I have to disclose virtually staged photos in Tennessee?

Plan on it. The MLS rules we track for Tennessee (REALTRACS and MAAR MLS) address altered or virtually staged photos. REALTORS® everywhere are also bound by Article 12 of NAR’s Code of Ethics, whose Standard of Practice 12-10 bars misleading images in advertising. Label each virtually staged photo and keep the original available.

What should the disclosure say?

Say plainly that the image was digitally altered or virtually staged, place it on or right next to the image, and point to the original photo. If your MLS prescribes specific wording, use that wording.

Will SofaBrain handle the disclosure for me?

It helps, but the responsibility stays with you. SofaBrain can stamp a “Virtually staged” label on downloads and keeps your original beside every result; you choose the wording and placement and check them against your state and MLS rules.

Sources

  1. NAR 2026 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (Article 12, SoP 12-10)
  2. Tennessee Real Estate Commission (licensing regulator)

Links checked . Laws and MLS rules change; the official text controls.

Nearby states and related rules

Information, not legal advice. This page summarizes Tennessee laws, MLS rules and ethics guidance as of May 20, 2026. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and SofaBrain is not a law firm. For specific questions, consult an attorney licensed in Tennessee, your MLS or your E&O carrier.