NAR has announced the approval of a series of major updates to the MLS Handbook—the first comprehensive review and modernization effort in nearly 20 years. These changes are designed to ensure MLS policies reflect how today’s brokers, agents, and MLSs actually operate while also reducing legal and compliance risks.

In 2025, NAR conducted its first full antitrust risk assessment of all MLS policies with support from a nationally recognized law firm. A special MLS Policy Risk Assessment Presidential Advisory Group (MLS PAG)—made up of brokers, association and MLS executives, and industry partners—reviewed the findings and recommended a set of policy updates.

What’s Changing?

The MLS PAG submitted 18 recommendations, which have now been approved by the MLS Technology & Emerging Issues Advisory Board, the MLS Committee, and the Executive Committee. These include updates that:

• Reinforce local discretion on certain MLS practices (such as non-member access);
• Modernize administrative, operational, and enforcement procedures; and
• Remove outdated enforcement practices no longer aligned with how MLSs function today.
• These updates will be incorporated into the 2026 MLS Handbook, expected in January 2026.

Why This Matters

The changes are part of NAR’s broader effort to keep MLS policy current, reduce legal exposure for REALTOR® association MLSs, and support members in delivering the highest level of service to their clients.

NAR has emphasized that this is the start of a multi-phase MLS modernization initiative, and further updates will continue as the industry evolves.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as additional information becomes available.