The National Association of REALTORS® has recommended four changes to its multiple listing service policies, addressing listing-content rights, data-feed access, permitted data use and committee qualifications. The proposals arrive as brokerages debate private listings and the traditional cooperative MLS model, with Compass’ Private Listing Network a focal point of industry criticism.
Key takeaways
NAR’s recommendations would give MLSs more options for managing listing content and data while clarifying how MLS information may be used. Some measures are optional policies, not universal requirements, and the copyright proposal would let participants opt out of assigning an interest to an MLS.
- MLSs could seek up to a 50% copyright interest in certain listing content, subject to participant opt-out rights.
- Optional data-feed rules could set local eligibility and licensing conditions, applied equally to participants.
- A new policy statement would tie MLS data use to applicable agreements and specified real estate services.
- NAR would revise qualifications for its MLS Committee.
Why NAR is proposing changes
NAR said the recommendations are intended to modernize MLS policies and improve client service. CEO Nykia Wright described them as part of the association’s 2026–2028 strategic plan and said implementation would involve collaboration with MLSs, brokers, members and other industry partners.
The proposals come amid disagreement over private listings, which critics say can limit competition and undermine the cooperative sharing of listings. Four major brokerages have also created a shared listing platform intended to counter Compass’ Private Listing Network, according to the report.
Proposed rules for listing content and data feeds
Under a proposed optional policy on copyright protection, an MLS could require up to a 50% copyright interest in certain listing content. Participants would have the right to decline that assignment, while brokers would retain the ability to use and license their own listings independently.
A separate optional policy would give MLSs greater latitude to set local eligibility and licensing requirements for data-feed services. Any such requirements would need to apply equally to participants, who would retain access to their own MLS listings and data feeds.
Clarifying data use and committee qualifications
NAR also recommended a policy statement clarifying that MLS data use must follow applicable participation or licensing agreements. Use would need to be connected to real estate brokerage services or the preparation of appraisals and other property valuations. The measure is intended to address concerns about unauthorized use of listing content.
The fourth recommendation would update the qualifications for serving on NAR’s MLS Committee, with the stated aim of reflecting the current MLS environment and bringing relevant expertise and perspectives to the group.
Potential implications for the private-listing dispute
Housing analyst Jonathan Miller said the data-feed proposal could let MLSs link access to cooperative listing content with contributions to the MLS. In his view, that could make it harder for a firm to benefit from shared listings while withholding its own listings, and could give MLSs a clearer basis to enforce their rules. The recommendations themselves do not establish that a particular MLS has taken such action.