A property disclosure statement is a written document provided by a seller of real property to the prospective buyer stating that the property has a material or significant problem or defect and disclosing the nature of the problem or defect—or stating the seller is unaware of any such problems or defects.
In Pennsylvania, the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law requires sellers of residential property to provide buyers with a Property Disclosure Statement. This document must disclose any known material defects that could affect the property's value or desirability. Material defects might include issues with the property's structure, roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating, and other significant systems or components. The disclosure must be made before the signing of an agreement of sale. If a seller knowingly withholds information about defects or provides false information, they could be held liable for damages. However, the law does not obligate sellers to conduct inspections to discover defects; they are only required to disclose known issues. It's important for buyers to conduct their own due diligence through inspections and other means to uncover any potential problems with the property.