Sellers have the right to withhold their property listing or property address from being displayed on the Internet. Rule 806 outlines the obligations of listing agents and MLS Participants when a seller elects to opt out of Internet display.
What This Rule Requires
1. Listings Must Not Display Online if a Seller Opts Out
If a seller affirmatively directs the listing broker to withhold their:
entire listing, or
property address
from being displayed on the Internet, the Participant’s VOW (Virtual Office Website) may not display that information.
The listing broker must communicate the seller’s choice to the MLS by uploading the completed opt-out document to the listing.
2. Required Seller Opt-Out Form
When a seller chooses not to have their listing or address displayed online, the listing broker must have the seller complete a Seller Opt-Out Form.
This form must include one of the following options (or substantially similar language):
Seller Opt-Out Options
1. Seller must select one:
Option A:
☐ I do not want the listed property to be displayed on the Internet.Option B:
☐ I do not want the address of the listed property to be displayed on the Internet.
2. Seller acknowledgment:
The seller must initial acknowledging that:
If Option A is selected, consumers searching online will not see any information about the property.
3. Record Retention Requirement
The Participant must retain the signed Seller Opt-Out Form for:
At least one (1) year from the date it was signed, or
One (1) year after the listing goes off the market,
whichever period is longer.
(NAR Mandate 919.6)
Steps to Correct This Violation
Confirm whether the seller elected to restrict Internet display.
Review the listing’s Distribution settings in the MLS and correct them if necessary.
Ensure a properly executed Seller Opt-Out Form is uploaded with the listing.
Update the listing in the MLS to accurately reflect the seller’s chosen opt-out option.
Retain the signed form for the required retention period.
Additional Information
This rule can be found in:
MLS Rules & Procedures Section 806 — Seller Opt-Out Provisions
For more information, or to view this specific rule, please visit:
Rules and Procedures