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Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement

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Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement

Instructions to the Seller: Please complete the following form. Do not leave any spaces blank. If the question clearly does not apply to the property write "NA". If the answer to any items requires explanation, explain on attached sheets, if necessary.

Notice to the Buyer: The following disclosures are made by the seller(s), concerning the condition of the property located at ("the property"), or as legally described on attached Exhibit A.

Disclosures contained in this form are provided by the seller on the basis of seller's actual knowledge of the property at the time this disclosure form is completed by the seller.

Seller(s): / currently occupying the property.

Seller has owned the property for years.

I. Seller’s Disclosures

1. Title

A. Do you have legal authority to sell the property?

B. Is title to the property subject to any of the following:

(1) First right of refusal

If yes, explain:

(2) Option

If yes, explain:

(3) Lease or Rental Agreement

If yes, explain:

(4) Life Estate

If yes, explain:

C. Are there any encroachments, boundary disputes, or boundary agreements?

If yes, explain:

D. Are there any rights of way, easements, or access limitations that may affect the owner's use of the property?

If yes, explain:

E. Are there any written agreements for joint maintenance of an easement or right of way?

If yes, explain:

F. Is there any study, survey project, or notice that would adversely affect the property?

If yes, explain:

G. Are there any pending or existing assessments against the property?

If yes, explain:

H. Are there any zoning violations, nonconforming uses, or any unusual restrictions on the subject property that would affect future construction or remodeling?

If yes, explain:

I. Is there a boundary survey for the property?

J. Are the property’s boundaries marked?

If yes, explain:

K. Are there fences on the property?

If yes, were the fences put up by the property owner?

L. Are any trees or other flora on the property diseased, dead or damaged?

If yes, explain:

M. Are there any covenants, conditions, or restrictions which affect the property?

If yes, explain:

N. Is the property accessed by public or private road?

If private, what yearly upkeep amount is paid by the property owner?

If private, explain road upkeep in detail:

2. Water

A. Household Water

(1) The source of the water is:

(2) Water source information:

a. Are there any written agreements for shared water source?

If yes, explain:

b. Is there an easement (recorded or unrecorded) for access to and/or maintenance of the water source?

If yes, explain:

c. Are any known problems or repairs needed?

If yes, explain:

d. Does the source provide an adequate year round supply of potable water?

e. Are there any water treatment systems (softener, purifier, etc.) for the property?

If yes, explain, and state if the system(s) is/are leased or owned:

B. Irrigation

(1) Are there any water rights for the property?

If yes, explain:

(2) If they exist, to your knowledge, have the water rights been used during the last five-year period?

If yes, explain:

(3) If so, is the certificate available?

Explain:

C. Outdoor Sprinkler System

(1) Is there an outdoor sprinkler system for the property?

(2) Are there any defects in the outdoor sprinkler system?

If yes, explain:

3. Sewer/Septic System

A. The property is served by:

If other, describe:

B. If the property is served by a public or community sewer main, is the house connected to the main?

If no, explain:

C. Is the property currently subject to a sewer capacity charge?

If yes, explain:

D. If the property is connected to a septic system:

(1) Was a permit issued for its construction, and was it approved by the city or county following its construction?

(2) On what date was it last pumped:

(3) Are there any defects in the operation of the septic system?

If yes, explain:

(4) On what date was it last inspected: By whom:

(5) How many bedrooms was the system approved for?

E. Do all plumbing fixtures, including laundry drain, go to the septic/sewer system?

If no, explain:

F. Are you aware of any changes or repairs to the septic system?

If yes, explain:

G. Is the septic system, including drainage field, located entirely within the property’s boundaries?

If no, explain:

4. Structural

A. How old is the current roof? years.

Roof is constructed of:

B. Has the roof leaked during your ownership?

If yes, has it been repaired?

Explain any roof repairs of which you are aware:

C. Has the house undergone any conversions, additions, or remodeling?

1. If yes, were all building permits obtained?

2. If yes, were all final inspections obtained?

Explain any conversions/additions/remodeling:

D. Do you know the age of the house?

If yes, give year of original construction:

E. Are you aware of:

(1) Any movement, shifting, deterioration or other problems with walls, foundation, crawl space or slab?

(2) Any cracks or flaws in the walls, ceilings, foundations, concrete slab, crawl space, basement, floors or garage?

(3) Any water leakage or dampness in the crawl space or basement?

(4) Any dry rot on the property?

(5) Any repairs or other attempts to control the cause or effect of any problem described above?

Explain any “Yes” answers to 1-5 above:

F. If you know of any defect(s) regarding the following items, mark the defective item with a check:

If you checked any of the above items, explain the defect(s):

G. In the last 4 years, was a pest, dry rot, structural or “whole house” inspection done?

If yes, which test(s), when, and by whom was the inspection done?

H. Has the property had a problem with pest control, infestations, or vermin?

If yes, explain:

I. Are you aware of:

(1) Any termites, wood destroying insects or pests on or affecting the property?

(2) Property damage by termites, wood destroying insects or pests?

If yes, describe:

(3) Any termite/pest control treatments on the property in the last 4 years?

If yes, list company and where treated:

(4) Current warranty or other coverage by a licensed pest control company on the property?

If yes, explain warranty and attach documentation:

J. Have you made a homeowner’s insurance claim(s) regarding the property in the last 4 years?

If yes, explain when and why:

5. Systems and Fixtures

If the following systems or fixtures are included with the transfer, do they have any existing defects: Yes / No / Unknown

A. Electrical system, including wiring, all switches, all outlets, and service

If yes, explain:

What type of wiring comprises the electrical system?

B. Plumbing system, including pipes, faucets, fixtures, and toilets

If yes, explain:

C. Hot water heater: Age:

If yes, explain:

D. Oven/stove: Age:

If yes, explain:

E. List ANY OTHER APPLIANCES TO REMAIN:

1. Age:

If yes, explain:

2. Age:

If yes, explain:

3. Age:

If yes, explain:

F. Cooling and Heating systems

Air Conditioning: # included in sale:

Age of cooling system: Zoned cooling?

Air Conditioning defects? explain:

Heating system:

Age of heating system: Zoned heating?

Heating system defects? explain:

Last date of servicing: Heating: Cooling: By whom:

Are there rooms without heating/air conditioning vents?

If yes, which rooms:

G. Security system: Any defects?

Describe security system:

If defects are indicated, explain:

H. Other: Any defects?

If defects are indicated, explain:

6. Common Interest

A. Is there a Home Owners' Association?

If yes, what is the name of the association?

B. Are there regular periodic assessments?

If yes, give amount per: Month: $ Year: $ Other: $

If other, explain:

C. Are there any pending special assessments?

D. Are there any shared “common areas” or any joint maintenance agreements (facilities such as walls, fences, landscaping, pools, tennis courts, walkways, or other areas co-owned in undivided interest with others)?

If any such areas exist, explain:

7. Appliances, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical and Other Mechanical Systems

Instructions: Mark INCL if the item is included in the sale. If item is included in sale, mark Yes or No to indicate whether item is in working order. Indicate the item’s approximate age in the age space, if provided.

Explanations: if any item above is NOT in working order, list the item and explain the defect in the space below.

8. General

A. Is there any settling, soil, standing water, or drainage problems on the property?

If yes, explain:

B. Does the property contain fill material?

C. Is there any material damage to the property or any of the structure from fire, wind, floods, beach movements, earthquake, expansive soils, or landslides?

If yes, explain:

D. Is the property in a designated flood plain?

E. Are there any substances, materials, or products that may be an environmental hazard such as, but not limited to, asbestos, formaldehyde, radon gas, lead-based paint, fuel or chemical storage tanks and contaminated soil or water on the subject property?

If yes, explain:

F. Are there any tanks or underground storage tanks (e.g., chemical, fuel, etc.) on the property?

If yes, explain, and give approx. position:

G. Has the property ever been used as an illegal drug-manufacturing site?

If yes, explain:

H. If the property contains a wood-burning stove or fireplace, when was/were the chimney(ies) last cleaned? Detail date(s) and chimney(ies), or mark Unknown:

I. Are you aware of any of the following regarding the property?

If any of the above are marked, explain:

J. If any tests to detect radon gas have been done on the property, provide documentation. If radon gas has been detected on the property, explain when, where, by whom, and all other details:

9. Full Disclosure by Sellers

A. Other conditions or defects: Does the Seller know of any other material defects affecting this property or its value that a prospective buyer should know about?

If yes, explain:

B. Verification: The foregoing answers and attached explanations (if any) are complete and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and I/we have received a copy hereof.

Date:

Seller Signature:

Date:

Seller Signature:

II. Buyer’s Acknowledgment

A. As buyer(s), I/we acknowledge the duty to pay diligent attention to any material defects which are known to me/us or can be known to me/us by utilizing diligent attention and observation.

B. Each buyer acknowledges and understands that the disclosures set forth in this statement and in any amendments to this statement are made only by the seller.

C. Buyer hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of this disclosure statement (including attachments, if any) bearing seller's signature.

Date:

Buyer Signature:

Date:

Buyer Signature:

Enter text

What the Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement Is

Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement is a standardized written disclosure completed by a residential property seller or listing agent that summarizes known material facts about a property's condition, defects, and legal status. It identifies aspects such as structural or environmental issues, zoning or easement encumbrances, and any outstanding notices affecting the property. The statement also includes disclaimers limiting liability for unknown conditions and explains the parties' responsibilities for inspection and repairs. In many states the disclosure is required by statute or regulation and becomes part of the transaction record between buyer and seller.

Why this Disclosure Matters for Buyers and Sellers

The Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement clarifies known property conditions, reduces post-closing disputes, and aligns seller and buyer expectations. Accurate disclosure supports legal compliance with state statutes and can limit liability when paired with documented inspections and properly executed disclaimers.

Why this Disclosure Matters for Buyers and Sellers

Who Typically Prepares and Receives the Statement

Typical parties who prepare or receive this statement include the seller, listing agent, and buyer during pre-closing due diligence.

  • Sellers: complete full disclosure of known material facts about property condition and history.
  • Listing agents: gather seller input, confirm disclosures, and deliver to prospective buyers.
  • Buyers: review disclosures, order independent inspections, and raise concerns before closing.

Core Components of a Professional Disclosure and Disclaimer

A professional Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement organizes seller representations, material defect listings, environmental notices, exception lists, inspection disclosures, and signature blocks for clear legal effect.

Seller Representations

Detailed statements by the seller about ownership, occupancy, prior repairs, known defects, permits, and any litigation or liens that could materially affect the property's value or marketability.

Material Defects

A checklist or narrative identifying structural, roofing, electrical, plumbing, foundation, pest, or water intrusion issues the seller knows or reasonably should know, with dates and repair descriptions where available.

Environmental Notices

Disclose known environmental hazards such as lead paint, radon, asbestos, underground storage tanks, floodplain status, or recent contamination assessments and any remediation undertaken, including dates and contractor reports when available.

Exceptions List

Explicitly note any exclusions to representations, items sold 'as-is', or third-party limitations so buyers understand which matters are not covered by seller warranties or disclosures.

Inspection Disclosure

State whether professional inspections were performed, attach reports when possible, explain any seller-authorized repairs or agreed remedies before closing, and identify warranties transferred with the property.

Signature Blocks

Provide dated signature lines for seller, co-owner, listing agent, and buyer acknowledgment where required, and include notary or witness blocks when state law or local custom mandates.

Essential Data Elements to Include

Property Address: Full street, city, state, ZIP.
Seller Name: Legal name as on ID.
Buyer Name: Full legal name(s) for records.
Effective Date: Enter as MM/DD/YYYY format required.
Material Facts: List known defects and incidents.
Signatures: All parties sign and date.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Disclosure Accurately

Follow these steps to complete the disclosure accurately, gather supporting documents, and deliver the statement during contract negotiations or at listing.

  • 01
    Collect Information: Gather repair records, permits, and inspection reports.
  • 02
    Complete Form: Answer questions fully; do not omit known issues.
  • 03
    Attach Evidence: Include receipts, contractor invoices, and inspection summaries.
  • 04
    Deliver: Provide to buyer and retain copies for closing file.

How Disclosure Routing and Retention Typically Work

Typical routing includes seller completion, agent review, delivery to buyer, and inclusion in closing documents, with signed copies retained by each party.

  • Seller Signs: Seller certifies truthfulness and dates signature.
  • Agent Certifies: Agent confirms delivery and accuracy of statements.
  • Buyer Receives: Buyer reviews, may request inspections or clarifications.
  • File Copy: Keep signed version in closing and title records.

Configuring an Online Workflow for Disclosures

Configure an online workflow to collect disclosure details, attachments, signatures, and automated routing to stakeholders.

Field Configuration
Form Template PDF form with fillable fields and required checks
Attachments Enable uploads for photos, inspection reports, and permits
Signer Order Assign sequential signing: seller, agent, then buyer
Authentication Email link by default; optional SMS code for higher assurance

Platform Capabilities to Support Legal Disclosures

Use eSignature platforms that support PDF fillable fields, audit trails, and secure attachment handling for reliable disclosure collection.

  • File Types: PDF and Word DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connect to MLS, title, and cloud storage
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Common Timing Triggers for Delivering the Disclosure

Timing requirements vary by state and contract; common triggers include listing, receipt of offer, and pre-closing inspections or contingency periods.

When listing the property publicly:

Provide disclosure with listing materials where state law requires.

At time of offer acceptance notice:

Deliver final signed disclosure before closing to satisfy contingencies.

During buyer inspection contingency period:

Buyer evaluates disclosures and orders inspections usually within contract-specified days.

Prior to closing and settlement:

Confirm all disclosures are executed and included in closing packet.

After closing for retained records:

Seller and agent must retain signed copies per retention requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Disclosures

  • Omitting known defects or providing vague descriptions increases risk of post-closing litigation and can result in rescission claims or damages for nondisclosure.
  • Failing to attach inspection reports or repair invoices weakens evidence supporting seller statements and can complicate title or insurance underwriting.
  • Using ambiguous disclaimers that attempt to disclaim all liability may be unenforceable under state consumer protection laws and invite legal challenge.
  • Not updating disclosures after repairs or new incidents leads to inaccurate statements and potential breach claims if omissions are discovered.

Penalties and Legal Risks of Incorrect Disclosure

Civil Liability: Damage claims possible.
Rescission Risk: Buyer may void sale.
Regulatory Fines: State penalties may apply.
Title Issues: Undisclosed liens affect clear title.
Insurance Denial: Claims could be denied.
Contract Breach: Buyer remedies and damages.

FAQs: Completing, Signing, and Storing the Disclosure

Answers to frequently asked questions about completing, signing, and storing the Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement are below.


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Comparing eSignature Vendors for Executing Disclosures

Comparison of common eSignature vendors for executing disclosures; signNow column appears first per platform pricing and feature distinctions.

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Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
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Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
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