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WVMLS rules, no AI-specific statute

West Virginia AI Virtual Staging Compliance

No AI statute; Bright MLS + Charleston MLS rules + WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act apply

Last updated Sources linked belowInformation, not legal advice

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The short answer

West Virginia has no AI-specific real estate statute. Bright MLS (eastern panhandle) and Charleston MLS require disclosure of digitally altered listing photos. The WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act (W. Va. Code §46A-6) provides a private right of action with attorney-fee shifting.

Legal basis: Bright MLS + Charleston MLS rules + WV Real Estate Commission advertising rules + WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act (§46A-6).

Key facts for West Virginia agents

  • Bright MLS (eastern WV panhandle) requires "Virtually Staged" caption + remarks disclosure.
  • Charleston MLS — central WV — aligned disclosure framework.
  • WV Real Estate Commission applies advertising rules to all listing content.
  • WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act allows private action with attorney-fee shifting.

MLS rules in West Virginia

  • Bright MLS Caption + remarks disclosure

    Eastern WV panhandle. Required disclosure in caption + remarks.

  • Charleston MLS Aligned disclosure

    Central WV. Same disclosure framework.

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

West Virginia virtual staging FAQ

Is there a law on virtual staging in West Virginia?

West Virginia has no statute written specifically for AI-altered listing photos, as of May 20, 2026. Bright MLS + Charleston MLS rules + WV Real Estate Commission advertising rules + WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act (§46A-6).

Do I have to disclose virtually staged photos in West Virginia?

Plan on it. The MLS rules we track for West Virginia (Bright MLS and Charleston 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

Nearby states and related rules

Information, not legal advice. This page summarizes West Virginia 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 West Virginia, your MLS or your E&O carrier.