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Property Disclosure Statement Guide: What Landlords, Tenants, and Investors Need to Know

Learn everything about property disclosure statements, including legal requirements for sellers, what tenants should know when their rental is being sold, and how investors can protect themselves during transactions.

Introduction

A Property Disclosure Statement is a legally significant document that requires property sellers to reveal known material defects and issues with a property. Whether you're a tenant whose rental home is being sold, a landlord selling your rental property, or a real estate investor managing multiple properties, understanding disclosure requirements is crucial to protect your interests and avoid potential legal disputes. This guide explains what property disclosure statements entail, who needs to complete them, what must be disclosed, and how these documents affect different parties in real estate transactions.

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Key Things to Know

  1. 1

    Property disclosure requirements vary by state, so always check your local laws or consult with a real estate attorney to understand specific obligations in your area.

  2. 2

    Disclosure statements typically cover known issues only—sellers generally aren't required to hire inspectors to discover unknown problems.

  3. 3

    For landlords selling rental properties, tenant-reported maintenance issues should be included in your disclosures, even if you haven't personally verified them.

  4. 4

    Tenants' lease rights are generally protected when a rental property is sold; the new owner typically must honor existing lease terms.

  5. 5

    Real estate investors should maintain detailed property records and consider pre-listing inspections to facilitate accurate disclosures.

  6. 6

    Selling a property 'as-is' does not exempt sellers from disclosure requirements—you must still disclose known material defects.

  7. 7

    The consequences of inadequate disclosure can include lawsuits, monetary damages, rescission of the sale, and significant legal expenses.

  8. 8

    When in doubt about whether to disclose something, the safer legal approach is to include it in your disclosure statement.

Key decisions before you file

Before you file a Property Disclosure Statement in Colorado, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Property Disclosure Statement guide walks through them.

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Colorado Requirements for Property Disclosure Statement

  • Colorado Seller's Property Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-101)

    Colorado law requires sellers to disclose all known material defects affecting the property. This disclosure must be in writing and provided to potential buyers. The Colorado Real Estate Commission has created a standardized disclosure form that covers structural components, systems, and other property aspects.

  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745)

    Federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978. Sellers must provide buyers with an EPA-approved information pamphlet, disclose known lead-based paint hazards, and provide a 10-day period to conduct a paint inspection.

  • Methamphetamine Laboratory Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-103)

    Colorado law requires disclosure if the property was previously used as a methamphetamine laboratory, unless the property has been fully remediated according to state standards and received a certificate of compliance.

  • Source of Potable Water (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-104)

    Sellers must disclose the source of potable water for the property, including the well permit information if applicable, and the approximate gallons per minute of the water source if known.

  • Special Taxing Districts (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-101)

    Sellers must disclose if the property is located within a special taxing district, which may affect the amount of property taxes. The disclosure must inform buyers how to obtain information about these districts.

  • Transportation Projects (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-102)

    Sellers must disclose information about any planned transportation projects that may affect the property, including projects by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

  • Common Interest Community (HOA) Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-102)

    Sellers must disclose if the property is part of a common interest community (such as an HOA), and provide governing documents, financial statements, and information about assessments and fees.

  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-45-101 to 38-45-106)

    Colorado law requires disclosure regarding the presence of carbon monoxide alarms in properties with fuel-fired heaters or appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.

  • Radon Gas Disclosure (EPA Guidelines; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    While not specifically mandated by Colorado law, federal guidelines recommend disclosure of known radon gas issues. Many Colorado properties have elevated radon levels, making this disclosure important for buyer information.

  • Oil and Gas Activity Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35.7-108)

    Sellers must disclose information about oil and gas activity on or affecting the property, including existing or planned wells, facilities, and mineral rights ownership.

  • Conservation Easement Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-30.5-101 to 38-30.5-111)

    If the property is subject to a conservation easement, sellers must disclose this fact and provide information about the restrictions that apply to the property's use.

  • Moisture/Water/Mold Issues (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known moisture intrusion, water damage, flooding history, and mold issues that could affect the property's value or pose health risks.

  • Environmental Hazards Disclosure (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); Colorado Environmental Covenants Act)

    Federal and state laws require disclosure of known environmental hazards such as asbestos, underground storage tanks, and toxic waste. This includes both on-site hazards and nearby environmental concerns that could affect the property.

  • Electrical/Mechanical Systems Disclosure (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known defects in electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and other mechanical components of the property.

  • Structural Issues Disclosure (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known structural defects, including foundation problems, roof issues, wall cracks, and other structural concerns that could affect the property's integrity.

  • Boundaries and Encroachments (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known boundary disputes, encroachments, easements, and shared features (like driveways or fences) that may affect property rights.

  • Zoning and Building Code Violations (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known zoning violations, non-conforming uses, and building code violations, including unpermitted additions or renovations.

  • Pest Infestation Disclosure (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Disclosure Form)

    Sellers must disclose known pest infestations or damage, particularly from termites, carpenter ants, or other wood-destroying organisms that could affect the property's structural integrity.

  • Deaths on Property Disclosure (Colorado Common Law; Colorado Real Estate Commission Position)

    Colorado law does not specifically require disclosure of deaths on the property unless they relate to a property defect. However, material facts that could psychologically impact the property may need disclosure under certain circumstances.

  • Adverse Material Facts Disclosure (Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-10-401 to 12-10-412)

    Colorado law requires disclosure of all adverse material facts known to the seller. This catch-all provision covers any significant issues not specifically addressed in other disclosure requirements that could affect the property's value or desirability.

Frequently Asked Questions