State Disclosure Laws

The days when a seller could say, "Here's the house, hope you like it," while failing to mention its hidden flaws, dangers, and weak spots, are pretty much over. Almost every U.S. state has passed laws mandating that sellers give buyers specific information about what structural and other features the house contains, and their condition. In some cases, the brokers must speak up about hidden conditions, too. Many states have created standard forms with which sellers are expected to record and pass this information to buyers.

Home sellers have certain disclosure obligations in most U.S. states—but what about their listing broker?

Limits on the confidentiality of listing brokers in New York State means home sellers can't expect brokers to hide material defects in the home or property from buyers.

Virginia real estate brokers have limited requirements to disclose property defects to buyers. Learn where disclosure is nonetheless required.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Resolve neighbor conflicts and get peace of mind

Online Form

Quitclaim Deed

Legally Transfer Property with a Quitclaim Deed

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Real Estate attorney.
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you