NAR Approves Comprehensive Updates to Modernize MLS Handbook

CHICAGO—The National Association of Realtors announced today (Nov. 17) the approval of a series of updates to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) Handbook following a comprehensive review of NAR’s existing MLS policies.

For the first time in its history, NAR completed a comprehensive antitrust risk assessment of all MLS policies, led by a nationally renowned law firm. To review the findings and propose updates, Immediate Past NAR President Kevin Sears appointed an “MLS Policy Risk Assessment Presidential Advisory Group” (MLS PAG), consisting of a diverse group of MLS executives, brokers, association executives, and industry partners.

Following its review, the MLS PAG proposed a total of 18 recommendations to update the MLS Handbook. The recommendations focus on:

• Reinforcing matters of local discretion, such as non-member access to MLS;
• Modernizing administrative, operations, and enforcement rules; and
• Removing outdated MLS enforcement practices.

All 18 recommendations were officially approved by the MLS Committee and the Executive Committee and were shared with the NAR Board of Directors, following earlier review and approval by the MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Advisory Board.

The recommendations, which constitute the most extensive update to the MLS Handbook in 20 years, will be reflected in the 2026 MLS Handbook, scheduled to be published in January 2026. Together, the changes ensure that policies continue to support members in serving their clients’ best interests and properly reflect the way MLSs and agents operate today, NAR officials stated.

These changes reflect the initial review and outcome of NAR’s risk mitigation efforts. NAR will continue to work transparently to further modernize MLS policies, mitigate potential legal risks, and ensure the policies better serve MLSs, members, and consumers.

“These updates to the MLS Handbook strengthen and modernize NAR’s policies and reflect our efforts to align MLS policies with how real estate professionals do business today,” said NAR President Sears. “I want to thank each of our MLS PAG members, who represent a broad cross-section of our industry, for their time, ideas, and passion. Their recommendations will help our organization and our industry move forward.”