NAR’s 2026 MLS Policy Updates: Key Changes Every Real Estate Professional Must Know

At the recent NAR Board of Directors meeting the Directors approved 18 MLS recommendations to update the MLS Policy Handbook that will go into effect January 2026.

The purpose of these changes is to reduce the legal exposure of NAR, local MLSs, REALTOR® Association, and members. The goal is to strengthen the local MLS to serve markets more effectively.

Changes are as follows:

·         Non-Member Access to MLS

·         MLS Operations and Agreements

·         Brokerage Activities and Rules Enforcement

The changes remove outdated MLS enforcement practices, modernize administrative, operations and enforcement rules and reinforce matters of local discretion, such as non-member access to MLS.

For more detailed information on the policy updates click here.