Do homeowners in Washington have to tell me about past deaths, crime on the property?

There are many factors one might consider when buying a home. Location, neighborhood amenities and needed renovation are all important issues for many potential homebuyers.

Individuals will have different deal breakers, too.

Whether it’s the distance from work, lack of an open floor plan or not enough parking, it’s important for buyers to know what’s unacceptable for their future home.

For some, a violent crime on the property is an immediate deal breaker. But how can you find this information? Do sellers have to disclose gruesome details about a home’s past?

Here’s the requirement in Washington:

Required property disclosures in WA state

The Revised Code of Washington outlines property owners’ required disclosures. Potential buyers must be informed of certain information.

Basic information like property ownership, water and sewage system details and the original year of construction must be disclosed to the best of the owner’s knowledge.

Additionally, potential defects involving the water system, heating and cooling, appliances or other specified aspects must be disclosed.

Owners also need to report if the basement flooded or leaked, if the property has settled or slid, if any wood destroying organism or pest infestation has taken place under their ownership, or if the roof has leaked within the last five years.

Environmental concerns should be relayed as well, including any flooding, standing water or drainage problems affecting the property.

Other required legal disclosures include boundary disputes, agreements or encroachments, current assessments, zoning violations or unusual restrictions that could impact construction, and any covenants, conditions or restrictions against the property.

Various additional disclosures are required.

Death disclosures for WA properties

Violent crimes do not have to be reported, according to the RCW. That includes murder, suicide, sexual assault and other crimes.

There are two prior crimes homeowners must report to potential buyers:

• If the property was a dumping site at any point (legally or illegally).
• If the property has been used as an illegal drug manufacturing site.

Sellers also must tell interested buyers that law enforcement has information on any registered sex offenders living nearby. They do not need to provide specifics, just let them know that the police can share more if they’re interested.

Of course, sellers can always disclose more information to potential buyers than they’re required to under the law.