do I have to disclose if I used ai to fix up my listing photos?

You must disclose if AI was used to alter the "material reality" of the home, such as removing a nearby power line or adding a window that doesn't exist. Starting in 2026, many states (led by California) have enacted laws making the failure to disclose AI-altered property photos a matter of misrepresentation and potential fraud. If you used AI for "Virtual Staging" (adding furniture) or "Sky Swaps," simply add a clear disclaimer in the listing notes: "Some photos have been digitally enhanced for staging purposes."

Short answer: yes, you do have to disclose—and your example absolutely counts. Under California’s new law (AB 723, effective Jan 1, 2026), if you use AI or editing to remove a neighboring house or add a lawn, that is considered a “digitally altered image” because you changed real-world elements visible from the property. And it’s not just a disclaimer—you also need to provide access to the original, unedited photo (either in the listing itself or via a link/QR code). You don’t necessarily have to display the “ugly” photo side-by-side, but buyers must be able to easily view it, and the altered image needs a clear disclosure—this rule specifically targets edits like yours, not basic lighting or color correction.

Yes!