What is an MLS Exclusion Form?

An MLS Exclusion Form documents an owner or broker instruction to withhold a property from MLS display or to restrict visible details; it creates an auditable record for MLS staff and participating brokers.

Can I sign the form electronically?

Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted. Confirm MLS and state rules for any additional authentication or consumer disclosures.

Is notarization required?

Not typically required for standard MLS exclusion requests, but some states or MLS rules may require notarization or witness attestations for specific documents; check local MLS requirements.

How do I revoke or change an exclusion?

Follow the form's revocation clause and notify the MLS in writing per their procedures; allow processing time and retain proof of submission and any MLS acknowledgment.

Who should keep the signed form?

Keep executed originals in the brokerage transaction file, provide a copy to the owner, and submit the required copy to MLS compliance for their records.

What if MLS disputes the exclusion?

If the MLS questions validity, produce the signed form, evidence of signatory authority, and any supporting documentation; consider legal counsel if a sanction or commission dispute follows.

MLS Exclusion Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

MLS Exclusion Form

Date of Agreement:

Parties

Seller / Owner Full Legal Name Seller Contact Address

Phone:

Email:

Brokerage / Listing Firm

Listing Agent:

Broker License #:

Phone:

Email:

Brokerage Mailing Address for Notices

Property Identification

Property Address

Parcel / APN:

County:

Legal Description

Exclusion Period and Scope

Exclusion Effective From: through

Scope (check all that apply):

Exclude property from MLS entirely

Exclude from internet/IDX syndication and public search portals

No yard sign or public marketing at owner's request

No lockbox; showings by appointment only

Limited showings (describe limitations)

Other (describe below)

Commission & Marketing Authorization

Commission arrangement while excluded:

Seller acknowledges that exclusion from MLS may affect exposure and sale proceeds and that the broker may not be able to co-broker or cooperate with buyer agents in standard MLS fashion.

Representations, Duties, and Indemnification

By signing below Seller represents that Seller is the legal owner or authorized to direct listing instructions for the Property and that instructions to exclude the Property from MLS are voluntary. Seller further agrees to indemnify and hold Broker harmless from claims arising from Seller's election to exclude the Property from MLS, except for claims arising from Broker's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Broker agrees to honor the scope and duration of the exclusion, and to abstain from entering the Property into any MLS database or syndicating the Property contrary to the scope selected herein, except as may be required by law or written agreement of the parties.

Termination; Amendment; Notices

This Exclusion may be terminated earlier by mutual written agreement or by operation of the underlying listing agreement if applicable. Any amendment or revocation of this Exclusion must be in writing and signed by both Seller and Broker. Notices shall be delivered to the addresses provided above and shall be effective upon receipt.

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Exclusion shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Property is located. This document, together with any listing agreement referenced herein, contains the entire agreement between the parties concerning MLS exclusion and supersedes all prior written or oral agreements on this subject.

Governing Law State

Seller Acknowledgment

Seller acknowledges receipt of a copy of this MLS Exclusion Form and understands that exclusion from MLS may limit exposure to buyer agents and may affect marketing and sale opportunities.

Additional Sellers / Owners (if any) — Names and Contact Information

Notices (Alternate Addresses if Different)

Seller Mailing Address for Notices Broker Mailing Address for Notices

Seller - Print Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

Broker / Brokerage - Print Name

By (Authorized Signature):

Date:

What the MLS Exclusion Form Is

The MLS Exclusion Form documents a property owner's request to withhold a listing from a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or to exclude specific property details from public MLS display. It records the parties, property identification, exclusion dates, and the precise scope of the exclusion so brokers and MLS administrators can comply with association rules and local law. The form is commonly used when owners prefer private marketing, are conducting off-market sales, or need temporary suppression for legal or privacy reasons. Clear execution reduces disputes over commission and listing status.

Why an Accurate MLS Exclusion Form Matters

A properly completed MLS Exclusion Form preserves contractual clarity, prevents inadvertent public listing, and documents the parties' intent about commission and marketing. It reduces administrative errors, protects owner privacy, and creates an auditable record useful for MLS enforcement or resolving post-listing disputes.

Who Completes and Relies on This Form

Typical users include listing brokers, sellers, MLS administrators, and legal representatives who must document off-market instructions and scope.

Listing brokers and agents who manage listing status and communicate exclusions to MLS staff and cooperating brokers.
Property owners or authorized sellers who provide the instruction and accept or dispute commission terms.
MLS administrators and compliance officers who enforce MLS rules and maintain public records and audit trails.

Primary Signers and Their Roles

Listing Broker

The licensed broker of record typically signs to acknowledge receipt and implementation of the exclusion, and to record any impact on commission or cooperative compensation.

Property Owner

The owner or authorized agent signs to confirm the exclusion request, identify affected property, and accept any terms limiting public marketing or MLS exposure.

Essential Elements of a Professional MLS Exclusion Form

A complete form combines identification, scope, timing, signatory authority, and administrative routing so MLS staff can implement the exclusion without follow-up questions.

Property ID

Include full street address, county, parcel or MLS number, and legal description where available so MLS staff can match the exclusion precisely to the correct listing record.

Scope of Exclusion

Specify whether the exclusion is total (remove from MLS) or partial (suppress photos, address, or broker contact) and list any permitted marketing channels or exceptions.

Effective Dates

State the start and end dates for the exclusion period. If indefinite, add explicit renewal or termination instructions to avoid automatic relisting.

Commission Terms

Record whether cooperative compensation or compensation alternatives apply during the exclusion; clarify how showing requests and buyer introductions are handled.

Authority

Identify signers and their titles, and include a statement that signers have authority to request the exclusion on behalf of the owner or brokerage.

Routing & Record

Provide fields for MLS case number, internal routing (brokerage compliance), and space for MLS administrator signature or acknowledgment and timestamp.

Step-by-Step: Completing the MLS Exclusion Form

Follow these sequential steps to prepare and submit an exclusion request that MLS staff can process without additional clarification.

01

Identify Property: Confirm MLS or parcel ID and full address.
02

Select Scope: Mark full or partial exclusion and list permitted exceptions.
03

Set Dates: Enter start and end dates in MM/DD/YYYY format.
04

Sign and Route: Obtain required signatures and send to MLS compliance.

Where to File or Send the Completed Form

Send the executed form to the MLS or association contact specified in local rules and keep copies with the brokerage compliance file.

MLS Compliance: Submit to the MLS compliance email or portal for processing.
Broker File: Retain a copy in the brokerage transaction or compliance folder.
Owner Copy: Provide an executed copy to the property owner for their records.
Third Parties: Share with cooperating brokers only as permitted by the exclusion scope.

Configuring an Online Exclusion Workflow

When using an e-signature platform, configure fields and routing so each signer receives the correct sequence and the MLS receives a stamped copy.

Field	Configuration
Property ID Field	Required; single-line; validated against MLS number patterns
Exclusion Type Field	Dropdown with controlled options: Full, Partial, Photos Only
Effective Dates Field	Date picker; MM/DD/YYYY format enforced
Signature Workflow	Sequential routing: Owner → Broker → MLS admin

Digital Submission and Integration Notes

Ensure the chosen platform supports required file formats, audit trails, and the authentication level required by your MLS.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX accepted
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods

Timing Considerations and Typical Deadlines

Timely submission avoids accidental public listing and clarifies commission rules before marketing begins.

Before Public Marketing:

Submit the exclusion before any MLS or public advertising occurs.

Owner Revocation Window:

Check MLS rules for required notice period to revoke or modify exclusions.

MLS Processing Time:

Allow the MLS administrative processing time per local procedures.

Renewal Reminders:

Track end dates to renew or allow automatic relisting per form terms.

Record Retention:

Keep executed copies per brokerage retention policy and applicable law.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the MLS or parcel identifier which causes the compliance team to misapply or reject the request and delays processing.
Leaving the exclusion scope vague. General language invites differing interpretations and inconsistent MLS implementation.
Failing to secure required signatures or agent authority, which can render the exclusion unenforceable or trigger commission disputes.
Not documenting renewal or termination terms, creating accidental relisting when the exclusion period lapses without notice.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Form

Listing Mistakes: May result in mistaken public listing

Commission Disputes: Unclear terms can cause broker compensation conflicts

MLS Fines: Violations of MLS rules may trigger sanctions

Legal Exposure: Owner or broker claims for misrepresentation

Delayed Transactions: Processing errors can slow or derail sales

Record Gaps: Missing audit trail complicates enforcement

eSignature Vendor Comparison for MLS Exclusion Workflows

Compare common vendor features relevant to executing and storing MLS Exclusion Forms; signNow appears first for parity in feature set and cost comparisons.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-World Examples of Form Use

Practical examples show how brokers and owners use the form to streamline off-market processes and protect privacy.

Martin Properties (Tim Martin)

Tim Martin used online exclusion forms to process off-market listings efficiently.

He emphasized compliance with audit requirements.
The result was faster turnaround and consistent records across mobile and desktop, allowing his team to manage private sales without manual paperwork or compliance gaps.

Optica Ventures (Brian Fitzgibbons)

Optica Ventures adopted a standard exclusion template for investor-managed properties.

The template reduced back-and-forth with MLS administrators.
That consistency simplified portfolio management and made it easier to demonstrate owner consent when cooperative compensation or relisting questions arose.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MLS Exclusion Form

Answers to common questions about validity, e-signing, notarization, revocation, and recordkeeping for exclusion requests.

Need help? Contact support

What is an MLS Exclusion Form?
An MLS Exclusion Form documents an owner or broker instruction to withhold a property from MLS display or to restrict visible details; it creates an auditable record for MLS staff and participating brokers.
Can I sign the form electronically?
Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted. Confirm MLS and state rules for any additional authentication or consumer disclosures.
Is notarization required?
Not typically required for standard MLS exclusion requests, but some states or MLS rules may require notarization or witness attestations for specific documents; check local MLS requirements.
How do I revoke or change an exclusion?
Follow the form's revocation clause and notify the MLS in writing per their procedures; allow processing time and retain proof of submission and any MLS acknowledgment.
Who should keep the signed form?
Keep executed originals in the brokerage transaction file, provide a copy to the owner, and submit the required copy to MLS compliance for their records.
What if MLS disputes the exclusion?
If the MLS questions validity, produce the signed form, evidence of signatory authority, and any supporting documentation; consider legal counsel if a sanction or commission dispute follows.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now