What specific disclosures is a seller legally required to provide to a buyer when selling a home in California?

In California, you are legally required to provide buyers with detailed written disclosures about the property's condition, known defects, and specific environmental or natural hazards. Here is how to fulfill your primary disclosure obligations: Step 1: Complete the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) This is the core state-mandated form (Civil Code §1102 et seq.). You must personally complete your section, disclosing any and all material facts you know that could affect the property's value or desirability. This includes issues with the structure, systems, appliances, or any other significant defects. Step 2: Fill Out the Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ) While not required by statute, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) SPQ is a standard form used in nearly all transactions to supplement the TDS. It asks more detailed questions about repairs, insurance claims, neighborhood issues, and the property's history. Answer every question truthfully and completely. Step 3: Provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement (NHD) You must disclose if the property is located in specific state-mapped hazard zones, including special flood hazard areas, dam inundation zones, very high fire hazard severity zones, wildland fire areas, earthquake fault zones, and seismic hazard zones (Civil Code §1103 et seq.). Sellers typically hire a third-party company to prepare this report. Step 4: Give Notice of the Megan's Law Database You are required to provide a written notice informing the buyer about the existence of the statewide database of registered sex offenders. This disclosure is usually included as a standard clause within the residential purchase agreement form. Important considerations: These disclosures must be delivered to the buyer as soon as practicable and before the transfer of title. If you provide disclosures after the buyer signs the purchase offer, the buyer has three days (if delivered in person) or five days (if delivered by mail) to cancel the contract. Selling a property "as-is" does not relieve you of your legal duty to disclose all known material facts. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Depending on your property, you may also need to provide disclosures regarding Mello-Roos taxes, lead-based paint (for homes built before 1978), and local ordinances. Failing to disclose known defects can lead to significant legal liability after the sale. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.