RECO Guidance – Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools are increasingly being used by brokerages and agents to support a wide range of business activities.

RECO has developed guidance on the responsible use of AI in real estate services to help registrants navigate potential risks and understand key usage guardrails. Designed to reinforce consumer protection, this guidance establishes acceptable boundaries for AI tools while emphasizing that AI can never replace a registrant’s legal, professional, or ethical responsibilities under the Trust In Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

The guidance sets out RECO’s expectations for registrants who use AI, including:

Verification before using assets: Independently check all AI-generated content, including listing details, against property documents and physical facts before publishing or sharing it.
Be transparent about altered images: Virtual staging and other AI-modified images must accurately reflect the property’s permanent features and be clearly labelled as digitally altered.
Protect client information: Never enter confidential client or transaction information into public AI platforms, and obtain the client’s written consent before entering confidential information into any AI tool.
Keep professional judgement human: Rely on personal knowledge and expertise – or that of subject matter experts – when advising clients, rather than delegating advice to AI.
Vet the tools: Brokerages are encouraged to set clear internal policies, provide training, and maintain an approved list of AI tools.

Consumers can protect themselves by looking for labels on altered listing photos, asking their agent about a property’s actual features and condition, and viewing a property in person before making decisions.

Anyone with concerns about a registered real estate agent or brokerage, including misleading advertising, can contact RECO directly at info@reco.on.ca.