Pennsylvania Property Disclosures: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
For many Pennsylvania home sales, the seller must disclose known material defects in writing before the buyer and seller sign an agreement of transfer. A disclosure is an important starting point, but it is not a substitute for an inspection or careful contract review.
What does a seller need to disclose?
Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law generally applies to transfers of residential property with one to four dwelling units, subject to statutory exceptions. The disclosure addresses subjects such as the roof, basement and water intrusion, plumbing, heating, structural issues, and other conditions listed in the required form.
The focus is on known material defects. Sellers should answer accurately rather than guess, and should review the law’s requirements for correcting information that becomes inaccurate before settlement. Not every transfer is covered; exemptions depend on the specific transaction, not simply whether the parties are relatives.
A checklist for sellers
Gather inspection reports, repair invoices, permits, warranties, and records of water or structural problems.
Read each question carefully and explain known issues clearly.
Raise uncertainty with counsel before delivering the form or signing an agreement.
Keep a copy of the disclosure and any written updates.
A checklist for buyers
Read the disclosure before signing, and ask follow-up questions about incomplete or unclear answers.
Discuss appropriate inspections and contract contingencies before deadlines begin to run.
Compare disclosure statements with inspection findings and available records.
Document concerns promptly and seek advice before waiving a contingency or agreeing to repairs.
What if a defect appears after closing?
A newly discovered problem does not automatically prove a disclosure violation or cancel the sale. The seller’s knowledge, the nature of the defect, the contract, and the evidence matter. Preserve photographs, reports, communications, and repair records so an attorney can assess the situation.
Source: Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law, Chapter 73.
Contact Jacobs, Wilson & Onofry to discuss how these issues apply to your circumstances.
Sources checked October 1, 2026. This article provides general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and individual circumstances can change the result.