Seller Disclosure Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires sellers of residential real property to provide buyers with a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement under the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 Pa.C.S. § 7301 et seq. ).

What Must Be Disclosed

The disclosure covers the condition of virtually every system and component of the property, including but not limited to: roof, basement, water intrusion, structural problems, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, well and septic systems, pests, hazardous substances (lead, asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks), environmental hazards, zoning violations, boundary disputes, and any known material defects.

The "Known Defect" Standard

Pennsylvania follows a "known defect" standard, the seller must disclose defects they are aware of . There is no duty to conduct inspections or discover latent defects. However, actively concealing a known defect (painting over water damage, for example) can give rise to fraud claims that survive the closing.

Exemptions

Certain transfers are exempt from disclosure requirements: transfers by court order (sheriff's sales, guardianship), transfers from estates ( executor /administrator), transfers between co-owners, first sales of homes never occupied, and transfers to or from government entities.

Statutory content on this page was last verified against Pennsylvania statutes (20 Pa.C.S.; 72 P.S. Art. XXI): ✓ Verified Mar. 2026. If you are reading this significantly after that date, confirm key provisions with current statute text or contact our office.