San Francisco Property Disclosure Laws: A 2025 Guide for Buyers & Sellers

Handling San Francisco real estate can be complex. Also, you need to understand property disclosure laws. This is true if you buy or sell property here. Knowing your duties is important, because it helps make deals go smoothly.

This guide explains San Francisco’s disclosure rules simply. Plus, these rules help protect both buyers and sellers. Working with local experts, like Ms. San Francisco Real Estate, also helps you understand the process.

Why Disclosures Are Important in SF

Property disclosure laws help build trust. Also, sellers must be honest about the property. So, buyers can learn about known problems before they buy. This way, it lowers the risk of arguments or lawsuits later. In SF’s busy market, openness is key, because it helps deals go well.

Seller Disclosure Rules in San Francisco

California law requires sellers to tell buyers about known property issues. And these state laws apply fully in San Francisco. It is the seller’s job to give correct information. Here are key disclosures sellers usually provide:

1. Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS): First, this is the main form for most home sales (1-4 units). Here, sellers list known problems with the home’s features or systems. For example, they must mention a leaky roof or bad plumbing if they know about it.
2. Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD): Second, this report shows if the home is in a risky area. For instance, it checks for earthquake faults, flood zones, or high fire risk. A special company usually makes this report for the seller.
3. Lead Paint Information: Third, this is needed for homes built before 1978. Sellers must share known lead paint dangers. Also, they must give buyers an EPA booklet about lead paint.
4. Local SF Rules: Finally, sometimes San Francisco requires extra reports. For example, reports about energy or water use might be needed when selling. Your agent can tell you about current local rules.

Important: Sellers must tell buyers about known “material facts.” These are important things that could change the property’s value or appeal. Therefore, hiding known problems can lead to big legal trouble later.

What Should Sellers Disclose?

So, what should sellers tell? Be open about known issues on the TDS form and others. These include:

• Building Problems: Any issues with the foundation? Roof problems (like leaks)? Past water damage? Also, problems with walls or windows?
• System Problems: Any plumbing leaks? Bad electrical wiring? Or heating or cooling system issues? Plus, problems with appliances included in the sale?
• Hazards: Is there asbestos? Lead paint? Mold problems (now or in the past)? Or bad soil?
• Neighborhood Issues: Is there major noise nearby? Or problems with neighbors that affect the property?
• Permit Issues: Was work done without city permits? Are there zoning rule violations? Also, any known HOA (Homeowners Association) problems?
• Past Fixes: Finally, list major repairs or upgrades you’ve made. Also, mention past fixes for known problems.

Full disclosure helps buyers know what they’re getting. Plus, it prevents future issues for sellers. So, if you are unsure whether to disclose something, it’s usually best to disclose it.

The Real Estate Agent’s Role

A good San Francisco real estate agent helps guide you. For instance:

• For Sellers: They give you the right forms (like the TDS). And they help you understand your duty to tell the truth about what you know. (But remember, agents do not fill out the seller’s part of the form for them).
• For Buyers: They help you understand the information from the seller. Plus, they will suggest you get your own inspections too.
• Rules: Good agents know the disclosure rules.
• Paperwork: Also, they help share disclosure papers correctly between buyer and seller. This helps avoid problems later.

Working with a good agent protects you and helps the sale go smoother.

Common Problems for Sellers

Sellers sometimes face challenges with disclosures:

• Forgetting Things: They might forget about a past repair or issue.
• Missing Papers: They may not have receipts or permits for past work.
• Selling “As-Is”: Even if you sell “as-is,” you still must tell buyers about known problems.
• Confusing Rules: State and city rules can be hard to understand.

But experienced agents and sometimes real estate lawyers can help sellers handle these challenges.

Preparing Your Home and Disclosures

Good prep helps your sale succeed. For example:

• Get Inspections Early: Think about hiring an inspector before you sell. Then, you can find and maybe fix issues first.
• Collect Papers: Find permits, bills, or records for past home repairs or upgrades.
• Be Honest: Fill out disclosure forms fully. Tell everything you know about the property. If you don’t know something, say that.
• Make Your Home Look Good: A clean home gives buyers more confidence.

Working with Experts: Inspectors & Lawyers

Handling disclosures is serious. So, consider getting expert help:

• Home Inspectors (for Buyers): Buyers should always hire their own inspectors. Because inspectors check the home’s condition carefully. This is key for buyers.
• Real Estate Lawyers: For tricky situations or big problems, sellers or buyers might talk to a lawyer. Because a lawyer can help make sure everything follows the law.

Indeed, experts help you follow San Francisco’s disclosure rules correctly.

How Ms. San Francisco Real Estate Helps

We know SF disclosure laws are important. So, our team helps by:

• Giving sellers the right forms (TDS, NHD info).
• Also, helping sellers understand what they need to do.
• Explaining disclosure papers to buyers and sellers.
• Plus, making sure information is shared clearly and on time.
• And giving personal support through the process.

We focus on being clear and helpful for a smooth deal.

Why Being Open Helps Buyers and Sellers

Honest disclosure helps everyone. Because buyers get facts to make good choices. Also, sellers avoid future lawsuits. This builds trust. As a result, deals often go better for both sides.

Conclusion

Following San Francisco’s property disclosure rules is key for a good real estate deal. So, if you are buying or selling, be open. Also, get expert advice. This makes the process easier. Therefore, work with pros like Ms. San Francisco Real Estate for a smooth sale.