2026 NAR MLS Policy Changes: Overview & Member FAQ

In November 2025, NAR announced the biggest update to the MLS Handbook in 20 years. NAR formed an MLS Policy Risk Assessment Presidential Advisory Group (“MLS PAG”) to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all NAR MLS policies. The MLS PAG recommended the removal of several long-standing national rules around membership requirements, training, service areas, listing types, IDX limitations, fines, and MLS disciplinary guidelines. NAR is shifting many decisions away from national mandates and giving local MLSs more control over access requirements, listing display rules, data distribution and how MLSs structure their own discipline, fines, and governance. These changes are intended to reduce antitrust risk, modernize MLS operations, and give local MLSs flexibility to align their rules with today’s marketplace.

You can access a complete summary of the MLS PAG recommendations here: MLS-Policy-Risk-Assessment-PAG-Recommendations-Post-NXT-2025.pdf

  • Why is NAR changing so many MLS policies?
    • NAR has completed a major antitrust risk assessment this year and identified policies that posed legal risk or were outdated. The MLS PAG recommended 18 changes to reduce risk and modernize the NAR MLS Handbook.
  • When do the changes take effect?
    • The changes will appear in the NAR 2026 MLS Handbook when it is published in January 2026, but they will not automatically take effect at that time. They only become effective after each local MLS formally adopts them. Therefore, the actual effective date will vary by MLS depending on when they choose to implement the updates.
  • Will association membership still be required to access MLS?
    • Local MLSs can still choose to require association membership, but it is no longer an NAR-mandated policy.
  • Does this mean non-members can join our MLS?
    • This is up to the local MLS. It is no longer an NAR-mandated policy.
  • Will Orientation or Intro to MLS Training still be required?
    • Local MLSs may still require orientation or training, and the local MLSs may choose the format and details of the orientation and training.
  • Does this change IDX and can IDX be given to non-Realtor members?
    • Yes, this changes how IDX is handled. NAR has left this to local MLSs to decide who can access IDX feed.
  • Are MLS Service areas, boundaries, or rules changing?
    • NAR will longer review or enforce these standards. MLSs can define their own service areas and enter into cooperative agreements at the local level.
  • Will Open listings now be allowed in the MLS?
    • NAR prohibiting open listings was repealed, meaning local MLS can choose whether open listings are allowed or not allowed.
  • Are there new rules about how offers must be presented?
    • No new rules. The offer presentation policies that are being repealed do not change your existing obligations. Members are still required to follow the NAR Code of Ethics and state law.
  • Can a cooperating broker request proof that their offer was presented?
    • Yes, this is now governed by Code of Ethics, not MLS policy.
  • Is Spokane REALTORS MLS adopting the MLS PAG recommendations?
    • Association leadership is working with the MLS Steering Committee and Association legal counsel to review the MLS PAG recommendations. We will inform our members of any future changes to the MLS Rules.
  • Do you have a specific question?