Major MLS Rule Changes Coming September 2, 2025
The Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS® is implementing a comprehensive update to our MLS Rules and Regulations, effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025. These changes reflect national policy shifts, evolving industry practices, and a continued commitment to fairness, professionalism, and data integrity in the marketplace.
What’s Changing?
Beginning this fall, all MLS Participants and Subscribers will be expected to comply with several important updates. Key highlights include:
- New Multiple Listing Options for Sellers
- Office Exclusive Listings: Listings kept entirely off the MLS and public marketing is prohibited. Must have a signed disclosure.
- Delayed Marketing Listings: Listed in the MLS, but there is no IDX/Syndication. Must have a signed disclosure.
- Clearer Media & Marketing Rules
- Listings must include at least one exterior photo
- Rules clearly prohibit agent branding, watermarks, logos, photo collages, and agent marketing language in media or remarks fields.
- Virtually staged images must be clearly labeled in the remarks.
- Compliance & Data Accuracy Enforcement
- Listing documentation must be submitted to ICAAR upon request within 24 hours.
- Duplicate listings allowed only when properly disclosed.
- Expanded definitions now clarify dozens of key terms and listing scenarios.
- 2024 Policy on Offers of Compensation
- Reminder: Offers of compensation are no longer required in the MLS.
Want to Learn More? Attend a Training!
ICAAR staff will be offering in-person training sessions throughout August and September to walk you through the new rules and answer your questions. Save your seat at any of the sessions listed below:
- Tuesday, August 19 | 2-3pm
- Thursday, August 21 | 2-3pm
- Monday, August 25 | 2-3pm
- Tuesday, September 2 | 2-3pm
- Tuesday, September 9 | 2-3pm
Q3 Broker Meeting: Full Rule Overview
Brokers are encouraged to attend the Q3 Broker Meeting on Wednesday, August 27th at 9:00am where ICAAR will provide a full breakdown of the changes and offer time for Q&A.
Need Help or Have Questions?
The full updated rules and a printable summary handout will be available starting August 15, 2025. For questions or to set up a Tuesday Meeting Visit, email megan@icaar.org
Let’s make this transition smooth and successful for everyone in our association.
