For Immediate Release:
October 9, 2026
Sierra Wallace
(202) 355-8431
swallace@dccouncil.gov

Councilmember Henderson Introduces Legislation to
Protect Renters and Buyers from False Advertisement Practices

Washington, DC – Today, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Restricting Editing and Alterations in Listing Photos Amendment Act of 2026 to protect District residents from misleading real estate advertisements that use digitally altered or AI-generated photos. This bill would increase transparency in real property listings and establish new consumer protections for renters and homebuyers.  

“AI-altered real estate listings have become common practice in the District, and prospective renters and buyers should know when the images they are viewing do not accurately represent a property,” stated Councilmember Henderson. “While this practice is not inherently problematic, digital editing can be used to change unit sizes, architectural features, finishes, fixtures and appliances, and even views through windows. Those misrepresentations waste consumers’ time and on occasion their money.”

Specifically, this legislation would place guardrails around the use of digitally altered images in a real property advertisement or listing and clarify that using a digitally altered image in a real property advertisement is a prohibited trade practice. Listings containing digitally altered images would be required to clearly disclose that images have been altered, include an unedited version of the images, and include a written description of material differences between the digitally altered image and the real property’s actual condition, features, and amenities.

“By establishing clear rules for digitally altered photos, the District can ensure renters and buyers have better information in an already complicated housing market,” said Councilmember Henderson. Similar consumer protection measures have been pursued in California and New York City.  

This bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Matthew Frumin, Brianne K. Nadeau, Anita Bonds, Trayon White Sr., Janeese Lewis George, and Zachary Parker.

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