The National Association of REALTORS®’ Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee approved four MLS policy recommendations on Sunday during NAR NXT 2026 in continuing to address the evolving MLS landscape.
The four changes focus on strengthening copyright protections for MLS listing content, providing MLSs with greater flexibility to establish local data feed requirements, clarifying permitted uses of MLS data and updating qualifications for service on NAR’s MLS Committee.
"These updates reflect our commitment to ensuring MLS policies remain relevant, effective and responsive to the needs of today's real estate industry," says NAR CEO Nykia Wright. "In line with our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan and significant member feedback, we will continue working collaboratively with MLSs, brokers, members and other industry partners to support a clear understanding and implementation of these changes.”
Since the beginning of the year, the association has engaged nearly 500 MLS executives through regular calls and individual meetings to ensure NAR is supporting the needs of MLSs and the broader industry. That outreach has also included ongoing member feedback through various methods and meetings. The association’s MLS Emerging Issues and Technology Advisory Board also formed an MLS work group of MLS leaders, brokers and association executives in further evaluating and advising on MLS policies.
The Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee approved the following four policies at its Sunday meeting:
1. Revision to MLS Policy Statement [7.85 and introduces a new optional MLS policy: Copyright Protection of MLS Data
This new policy permits MLSs to require, at their discretion, an ownership interest of up to 50% in the copyright of certain listing content for purposes of strengthening copyright protection and enforcement. Any such interest would be subject to quarterly copyright registration requirements. MLSs must provide participants with the opportunity to opt out of assigning a copyright interest to the MLS. Brokers would retain the ability to independently use and license their own listing content. The proposal comes amid increased industry focus on protecting listing content and strengthening MLSs’ ability to enforce copyright rights as listing data and images are increasingly distributed across third-party platforms.
2. Establishes a new optional MLS Policy Statement about MLS Data Feed Services
This new provision gives MLSs more flexibility to set local eligibility and licensing requirements to certain data feeds, as long as they are reasonable, objective and applied equally to all participants. Participants retain access to MLS listing information and data feeds of their own listings. This provision comes amid ongoing industry discussions about MLS data access, licensing requirements and the appropriate use and distribution of listing data.
3. Establishes a new MLS Policy Statement about the use of MLS Data Policy
This policy reinforces that MLS data must be used in compliance with applicable participation or data licensing requirements as well as for purposes related to providing real estate brokerage services, preparing appraisals or other property valuations. This policy is to address concerns around unauthorized use of MLS content.
4. Update to MLS Committee Qualifications
This change updates the qualifications for serving on NAR’s MLS Committee to reflect the evolving MLS landscape and ensure the committee continues to benefit from relevant industry experience and perspectives in evaluating MLS issues and policy recommendations. The new qualification criteria will not affect existing committee members.
