Legal
Staircase is a division of Staircase Partners Incorporated.
If the photographer arrives at the property and is unable to complete the scheduled services due to circumstances beyond the control of Staircase, a cancellation fee will apply. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, inability to access the property, the property not being sufficiently prepared or photo-ready, the presence of unrestrained animals, lack of electricity or adequate lighting, or any other condition that prevents the photographer from safely or reasonably completing the services as scheduled. In these situations, the client agrees to pay a $150 cancellation fee, which represents a reasonable estimate of reserved time, travel, scheduling commitment, and opportunity cost. To avoid such fees, clients are responsible for reviewing the Home Staging Guide and ensuring all access arrangements and preparations are completed prior to the scheduled appointment.
When the property will be accessed without an agent, agent representative, or homeowner present, the listing agent is solely responsible for obtaining prior permission from the homeowner for the photographer to enter the property unaccompanied. Staircase assumes no responsibility for disputes related to access authorization and relies on the agent’s confirmation that proper permission has been granted.
For the safety of all parties and to ensure the services can be completed efficiently, all animals must be adequately restrained, crated, or removed from the property for the entire duration of the shoot. Staircase reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a session if unrestrained animals interfere with the photographer’s ability to safely or effectively perform the services. Any applicable cancellation or rescheduling fees will apply.
The agent and/or homeowner is solely responsible for ensuring the property is fully photo-ready prior to the photographer’s arrival. While the photographer may make minor adjustments to improve composition, they are not responsible for cleaning, staging, moving furniture, or making significant changes to the property. Clients are strongly encouraged to review the Home Staging Guide several days in advance of the scheduled shoot. Staircase is not responsible for any personal items, clutter, or belongings that remain visible and are captured in the final images.
Clients may reschedule or cancel an appointment with at least 24 hours’ notice without penalty. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a $50 cancellation fee, which reflects reserved time and scheduling impacts.
Any special requests, including specific shots, angles, or areas of emphasis, must be communicated to the photographer prior to the start of the shoot. If no such requests are provided, the photographer will use professional judgment to capture the property based on lighting, property condition, environmental factors, and logistical constraints. This may require adjustments or creative compromises, including working around obstructions or the position of the sun. Garages, closets, and unfinished areas are not photographed unless specifically requested in advance.
Photography of community amenities, neighborhood features, landmarks, shopping areas, or points of interest is not included in standard services. Such requests must be made in advance and may require additional time, travel, or a separate visit. Additional fees will apply for these services.
Staircase’s standard turnaround time is within 24 hours for most services, unless otherwise specified. While delivery may occur sooner, turnaround times are not guaranteed and may vary based on workload, service type, project complexity, or unforeseen circumstances.
Payment in full is required prior to the scheduled shoot for all first-time clients. Staircase reserves the right, at its discretion, to require advance payment for any future bookings. Failure to submit required payment may result in cancellation or delay of services.
In the event of unfavorable weather, clients may elect to reschedule the shoot for the next available opening or proceed as scheduled. If the shoot proceeds, the resulting media will reflect the actual weather conditions present at the time of capture. Pricing does not include digital modification or replacement of skies, weather conditions, or environmental elements unless specifically purchased. In cases of severe weather that pose a risk to equipment, safety, or personnel, Staircase reserves the right to postpone the shoot and reschedule for the next available appointment without penalty.
All photographs, videos, and other media produced by Staircase are the exclusive intellectual property of Staircase Partners Incorporated and are protected by U.S. copyright law. A limited, non-transferable license is granted solely to the listing agent for marketing purposes directly related to the active sale of the property, in accordance with local MLS rules and for the duration of the listing agreement. This license does not extend to any third party. Any use by others—including, but not limited to, architects, builders, stagers, designers, sellers, buyers, or other agents—is prohibited without prior written consent. The media may not be sold, licensed, sublicensed, shared, or otherwise transferred to any third party without express written approval from Staircase Partners Incorporated.
Staircase Partners Incorporated reserves the right to use any photographs, videos, and other media created for portfolio display, marketing, advertising, educational, and promotional purposes, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.
Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled shoot. Once services have been performed, clients have seven (7) calendar days to submit written notice of any concerns. Staircase will make a reasonable effort to address valid issues; however, refunds are not available after services have been rendered. If a mutually agreeable resolution cannot be reached, Staircase may, at its discretion, issue a service credit for future use equal to the value of the service in question. Credits are non-transferable and have no cash value.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Staircase Partners Incorporated and its photographers, contractors, and representatives shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the services provided, including but not limited to lost profits, lost marketing opportunities, or listing delays. In all cases, Staircase’s total liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the client for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
These terms and any disputes arising from or related to Staircase services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the parties hereby consent to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.
These terms were last updated on December 22, 2025, and may be modified at any time without prior notice. Continued use of Staircase services constitutes acceptance of the most current version of these terms.