The Restricting Editing and Alterations in Listing Photos Amendment Act of 2026 aims to enhance transparency in real estate listings within the District of Columbia. The bill mandates that listing agents, realtors, and property managers provide accurate property descriptions and disclose the use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, for altering listing photos. It amends the Consumer Protections Procedures Act to classify the use of digitally altered images in property advertisements as a deceptive trade practice unless accompanied by a clear disclosure indicating that the images have been altered, a written description of the material differences between the actual property and the altered images, and a link to unedited photos of the property.

Additionally, the bill modifies D.C. Code 47-2853.197 to clarify that the prohibition against false advertising by real estate professionals now includes the new deceptive trade practice established by this legislation. The bill defines "digitally altered image" and outlines the requirements for disclosures in advertisements or listings that utilize such images. This legislation seeks to protect prospective tenants and buyers from being misled by digitally manipulated representations of properties, ensuring they have a truthful understanding of what to expect when viewing a property.