What are the typical financial penalties for a first-time MLS violation?

Financial penalties for first-time violations can range from a warning to several hundred dollars, depending on your specific MLS and the severity of the rule breach.

If I receive a violation notice, what is the very first step I should take?

The first step upon receiving a violation notice is to correct the specified error immediately and then respond to the MLS compliance department by the given deadline.

Does the Clear Cooperation Policy apply if my seller wants the listing kept private as an "office exclusive"?

The Clear Cooperation Policy generally does not apply to "office exclusives," provided the listing is not marketed to the public and the proper seller authorization waiver has been signed.

Can my unlicensed assistant enter and edit my listings using their own authorized MLS login?

Most MLS boards permit an unlicensed assistant with their own authorized login to perform data entry and other clerical tasks on a listing under your direct supervision.

Am I still liable for a copyright violation if the seller provides me with photos they claim to own?

Yes, the listing agent is ultimately responsible for ensuring all media uploaded to the MLS has the proper licensing and permissions, regardless of the source.

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Last updated June 16, 2025

The Top 10 MLS Violations of 2025 and How To Avoid Them

By Meaghan Loraas in Real Estate Marketing Ideas, Real Estate Tips

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The Top 10 MLS Violations of 2025 and How To Avoid Them