If someone dies at your house, do you have to inform a potential buyer? What does Maryland law say?

In Maryland, there is no requirement for homeowners or real estate agents to reveal if a death, whether natural, accidental, or due to a crime, occurred in a home. However, if a buyer specifically asks, the seller must disclose this information. Maryland law does not classify deaths as material facts that need to be shared during the real estate process.

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Maryland Disclosure Form Options

Disclosure Portion:

• Detailed Questions: Sellers must answer questions about material defects in various areas of the home, including floors, walls, fire sprinkler system, etc.
• Comments Section: Sellers can provide additional comments to explain their answers, which is helpful if a simple "yes" or "no" doesn't fully explain the situation.
• Non-Defect Issues: Sellers must disclose if the home is under any homeowners' association restrictions, located in a flood zone, or in a historic district.

Essential Things To Disclose In The MD Form

Sellers must complete the Maryland Residential Property Disclosure Form (MD Form) to provide buyers with information about the title, condition, and other aspects of the property. This document outlines a variety of essential facts that must be disclosed before finalizing the sale. These include:

• Structural issues
• Water damage
• Lead-based paint hazards

Additionally, sellers need to disclose any known environmental problems, including:

• Significant presence of mold
• Hazardous materials like asbestos
• Renovations or repairs done without permits
• Pending legal matters associated with the property

Failing to properly disclose this information could result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.