x
Transaction Center

REALTOR® Secure Transaction

Realtor® Secure Transaction is your place to discover, access and master the essential tools for a modern, efficient and secure transaction.


Transactions - zipForm® Edition

Transaction management and forms software with all the must-have features, including current statewide contracts, local forms, and more.

Transaction Products zipForm Edition Service Providers Forms Libraries Transactions (zipForm Edition) Support
Forms Advisor™ & Forms Tutor®

Free advice to help you understand the form you're using with Forms Tutor® and identify which form you need for your transaction with Forms Advisor™


Standard Forms

C.A.R. Standard Forms are developed by the C.A.R. Legal Department which gathers input from real estate professionals and attorneys to create user-friendly, comprehensive, and dependable forms.


Inspectors & Transaction Coordinators

Become certified as a Home Inspector or connect with a certified Inspectors and Transaction Coordinator.

C.A.R. Home Inspector Certification Program Transaction Coordinator Directory
Partner Program

Your one-stop-source for exclusive offers, discounts, and free trials.


Leasing & Property Management Resource Center

Everything you need for a successful property management & leasing business


Member Profitability Hub

A collection of educational and technology resources designed to help you achieve profitability and better prepare for your financial present and future.


Mobile Apps

Download the latest C.A.R. mobile apps, including CARmojis & Stickers, C.A.R., Legal Hotline, CA REALTOR® EXPO, and zipForm Mobile.


Broker Compensation Compliance

Practice tips for how to comply with the new broker compensation rules. Learn how to use forms, talk to clients, and meet your legal and other obligations.


Legal Q&As, New Laws, and Disclosure Charts

Legal articles, many in question and answer format, are currently available on over 150 subjects in 50-plus categories.


Legal Tools

Quick Guides (1-page articles) and PowerPoint presentations on key legal topics.


Legal Live Webinars

Wish you could catch up on California real estate law without having to read even more documents? Relax and watch a video as C.A.R.’s Legal Live Webinars bring you up-to-date on the hottest topics in real estate law.


Legal Matters Podcast

While you’re driving to your next meeting, would like our attorneys to update you on how to best protect yourself and your clients? Subscribe to our Legal Matters Podcast, and we’ll bring the most critical information right to your device.


Legal Launchpad

Need help on a legal issue? First, pick one of the topics.


Legal Action Fund

The Legal Action Fund advocates the REALTOR® point of view and assists in lawsuits pivotal to the real estate industry. Learn more about how the Legal Action Fund supports you in your business.


Legal Resources

Important industry cases, resources and information


Miscellaneous/Contacts

Current legal developments, C.A.R. legal products and services.


NAR Litigation

Explore the implications of the landmark Burnett v NAR antitrust lawsuit's outcome for REALTORS®, the industry, and your business.


Ombudsman Hotline

If you're a member looking to resolve a minor dispute or communication issue with another REALTOR®, a C.A.R. ombudsman may be able to help!


Peer-to-Peer Ethics

C.A.R. REALTOR® volunteers are specifically trained and are available to answer questions from other members about the Code of Ethics, and can provide information and limited counseling concerning its proper interpretation.


Transaction Rescue™

Your lifeline to the lending community formerly known as the Finance Helpline and Mortgage Rescue™. Find contacts and answers to all mortgage related questions, and problems that arise in your real estate transaction. Get assistance today!

Lending Resources
Customer Contact Center

Need assistance on Transactions – zipForm Edition, purchasing a course, or other general membership questions? The Customer Contact Center is only a phone call away.


Consumer Mediation

The C.A.R. Real Estate Mediation Center for Consumers has mediators available to assist buyers and sellers (as well as other parties to real estate transactions) in resolving their disputes.


C.A.R. Legal Hotline

Did you know that for zero dollars and zero cents, you can speak with an attorney about your transaction? If you don't believe us, check it out yourself.


CLOSE

Sales Disclosure Chart

What is This?
Add a quick link to this page from the Homepage when you are signed in
Share Article

Member Legal Services
Tel (213) 739-8282
February 16, 2024 (revised)

 

REALTORS® know very well the importance, and the complexity, of the various state and federal disclosure laws governing real estate transactions in California. This Sales Disclosure Chart is designed to provide REALTORS® and their clients with an easy-to-use reference guide for determining the applicability of these laws to the sales transactions most commonly handled by real estate licensees.

This chart describes legally required disclosures. It does not include disclosures which are only required by terms of any real estate purchase agreement. Nor does it include "advisories," which are typically optional disclosures based on risk management assessments. 

Be sure to check the detailed disclosure information in the Summary Disclosure Chart since there may be exceptions or special exemptions to a disclosure requirement.

The Sales Disclosure Chart addresses the general applicability of common disclosure requirements in particular types of transactions but does not cover all disclosures required by law such as additional local requirements.

Certain transactions, including new home, subdivision, and common interest development sales, are subject to separate disclosure requirements.

 

Disclosure

Res.
1-4 Units

Standard

Res.
1-4 Units

Probate/
Trust/
Bankruptcy

Res.
1-4 Units

REO/Foreclosure

Res. 5+ Units

Commercial
& Industrial/
Vacant Land

Personal Property Mobile Homes

C.A.R.
Form14/
Publication

Law

Advisability
of Title
Insurance

(When No Title Insurance Issued)

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

Cal. Civ. Code §1057.6.

*Typically handled by escrow agent

Agency
Disclosure

Agency Confirmation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes*

Yes

Disclosure
Form: AD

Confirmation Form: "Agency" section of C.A.R. purchase agreements or AC-6

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 2079.13et seq.

Airport in
Vicinity1

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

NHD expert's report

Cal. Civ. Code § 1103.4.

Appraisal Discrimination Addendum

Yes

No*

No*

No*

No*

No*

Fair Appraisal Act Addendum (C.A.R. Form FAAA)

Cal. Civ. Code § 1102.6g.

Beginning after July 1, 2022

* See Footnote 19

Area of Potential Flooding1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Gov't. Code
§§ 8589.4, 8589.5; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Broker's Statutory
Duty to
Inspect Property

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

No

Yes

TDS
(for real property)

MHTDS (for personal property manufactured or mobile homes)

AVID may be used (if TDS and
MHTDS not required)

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 2079et seq.

*See Summary Disclosure Chart for Exemptions

Carbon Monoxide Detector Disclosure

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

TDS
(for real property)

MHTDS (for personal property manufactured or mobile homes)

Form WCMD is optional

Cal. Civ. Code §§1102.6, 1102.6d.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Compliance

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

Yes*

No compliance certification required

 

Form WCMD is optional

Cal.Health & Safety Code § 17926.

*Installation is not a precondition of sale or transfer of the dwelling.

See Summary Disclosure Chart for additional details.

Commercial Property Owner's
Guide to Earthquake Safety

(Booklet)

Yes2

No

No

Yes*

Yes*/No

No

The Commercial Property Owner's
Guide to Earthquake
Safety

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §10147; Cal. Gov't Code §§ 8875.6, 8875.9, 8893.2, 8893.3; Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.9.

*See Summary Disclosure Chart for Exemptions

Common Interest Development Documents

 

CC&Rs, Articles of Incorp., Bylaws, Rules & Policies, Current Financial Information (Operating Budget), Assessments, Assoc. Insurance, Civil Code Section 1133 Notice (if applic. For subdividers), Enforceable Policies/Fine Structure; A copy of the minutes of the meetings if requested; estimated fee for required HOA disclosures as distinguished from other fees, fines or assessments on specified form if requested; actual charges on specified form at time documents are delivered; statement describing leasing prohibitions, if any

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No (unless the owner has an ownership interest in a subdivision, cooperative or condominium for mobilehomes)

Forms HOA-IR, HOA-RS and HOA-RN may be used to comply with statutory and contractual disclosure obligations


Cal. Civ. Code
§§ 4525, 4528, 4530 and 4202

Death (in last 3 years)

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No**

TDS (if required)

SPQ may be used
(or ESD if TDS exempt)

Cal.Civ. Code §1710.2.

*if deemed a "material fact"

**Statute applies only to real estate but may be required under "material fact" analysis.

Discriminatory Covenants

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Sample Letter "Disclosure to Buyer (or Owner) of Discriminatory Covenants" (available prior to July 1, 2022).

Gov. Code § 12956.2.

Beginning July 1, 2022. Required when agent has actual knowledge of discriminatory covenants

Earthquake Fault Zone1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 2621et seq.; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Energy Use Report

The disclosure obligation has been repealed effective January 1, 2016. Cal.Pub.Res. Code § 25402.10

No

No

No

No

Yes/No

No

EPA's Portfolio Manager Energy Star Report15.

Public Resources Code 25402.10

20 California Code of Regulations §§ 1680-1684

The obligation to disclose Energy Star information to a prospective buyer or lessee has been repealed effective January 1, 2016. Cal.Pub.Res. Code § 25402.10. (AB 802)

Farm or Ranch Proximity1

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

NHD expert's report

Cal. Civ. Code § 1103.4.

FHA/HUD Inspection Notice

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

No

No

HID

HUD Mortgagee Letter 92564-CN

*Required only for FHA loans or HUD-owned property by lender.

Final inspection report including defensible space compliance

If obtained, final inspection report for construction or rebuilding demonstrating compliance with building codes to be provided to buyer.

Yes*

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Upon completion of construction or rebuilding, and if report was obtained, seller shall provide to buyer a final inspection report from local building official that property complies with all applicable building standards including defensible space laws.
(C.A.R. form Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Advisory, Disclosure and Addendum (FHDS))

Cal.

Civil Code § 1102.6f.(b)

*Applies to property located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Fire Home Hardening

Effective January 1, 2021
(and July 1, 2025.)

Yes*

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Statutory notice and questionnaire C.A.R. form Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Advisory, Disclosure and Addendum (FHDS).

(On or after July 1, 2025, a seller shall disclose low-cost retrofits, from a list of such, that have been completed during the time that the seller has owned the property)

Cal. Civil Code § 1102.6f.
*Applies to property built before 2010 located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Effective January 1, 2021 (and July 1, 2025.)

Fire Defensible Space Compliance

Yes*

No

No

No

No

Yes*

The Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Advisory, Disclosure and Addendum (FHDS) will be needed for any transaction that requires a TDS and is located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity where the property will close on or after July 1, 2021. Under the revised RPA (12/21), it is no longer necessary to include the FHDS as an addendum with the original offer or counter-offer. Instead, the FHDS may be delivered during the first seven days after the purchase agreement is entered into as a typical disclosure. However, the buyer would still be required to agree to agree to its terms, failing which, the seller may cancel the agreement after delivering a Notice to Buyer to Perform. See footnote 18.

Cal. Civil Code § 1102.19.

*Applies to property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

"See the Q&A Defensible Space Law."

FIRPTA (Federal Tax Withholding)
and
California Tax Withholding

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

AS may be used (applies to both federal and California Tax Withholding).

AB may be used (applies only to federal withholding).

Cal. Rev. & Tax Code §§ 18662, 18668; 26 U.S.C. §1445.

*If seller eligible, AS or other form required to avoid withholding by escrow.

Flipper Repairs and Contractors
Effective July 1, 2024

Yes

No3

No

No

No

Yes*

Under consideration to be included within the SPQ

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102.6h

* Probate, Bankruptcy, REO, and Trusts exempt

Flood Disaster Insurance Requirements

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes5

Yes

42 U.S.C. § 5154a.

Gas and Hazardous Liquid Transmission Pipeline Notice

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

No

No

"Gas and Hazardous Transmission Pipeline" already included in disclosure section of C.A.R. contracts
(e.g. RPA)

Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.10.5.

* Applies only to single-family properties

Groundwater Basin Comprehensive Notice (if received)

Yes

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No

Attach notice to TDS or if TDS-exempt, provide notice separately

Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 836(f). General duty to disclose. See Material Facts.

Hazardous Substances, release of,17

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Health & Saf. Code §25359.7

Home Energy Rating System (HERS)Booklet

(Optional Disclosure4-- Booklet Now Available)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Booklet (part of Combined Hazards Booklet)

Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.10; Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 25402.9, 25942.

Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety
(Booklet and Form)

Yes*

No

No

No

No

No6

The Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake
Safety

"Residential Earthquake Hazards Report" Form in Booklet

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 10149; Cal. Gov't Code §§ 8897.1, 8897.5; Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.8.

*See Summary Disclosure Chart for Exemptions.

Industrial Use Zone Location

Yes

No3

No

No

No

No

SPQ may be used (or ESD if TDS exempt)

Cal. Civ. Code § 1102.17; Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 731a.

Lead-Based Paint Pamphlet and Form

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*/No

Yes*

No

Yes
(Probably)7

Pamphlet: Protect
Your
Family
From Lead In Your Home 
(incorporated in Residential Environmental Hazards: A Guide for Homeowners, Buyers, Landlords
and Tenants
)

Form: LPD

42 U.S.C.S. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745.

*Applies only to residential property built before 1978. See the Summary Disclosure Chart for exemptions.

Material Facts8

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

TDS or MHTDS
(if required)

The ESD or SPQ is required contractually by the RPA-CA depending on whether the transaction is TDS exempt. If a TDS is required, then an SPQ is also required. IF the transaction is TDS exempt, then the ESD is required.

For commercial property under the CPA, use of the CSPQ is contractually required.

For vacant land under the VLPA, use of the VLQ is contractually required.

For agricultural properties with improvements, the SALSQ is contractually required under the terms of the Agricultural Addendum.

For residential income property using the RIPA, the SPQ is contractually required for residential 1 to 4 units. If 5+ units, then the CSPQ is contractually required.

Case law; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 2079et seq.

Megan's
Law Disclosure (Registered Sex Offender Database)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

"Database Disclosure" section of C.A.R. contracts

REO and REOL may be used for REO transactions

Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.10a.

Mello-Roos, 1915 Bond Act Assessments9,and voluntary contractual assessment.

Yes

No3

No

No

No

No

Cal. Civ. Code
§ 1102.6b; Cal. Gov't Code §§ 53340.2, 53754, Cal. Str. & H. Code § 5898.24.

MethLab Clean-Up Order

(Release of Illegal Controlled Substance Remediation Order)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes*

TDS (if required) (question II.C.1)

SPQ or MCN may be used (or ESD if TDS exempt)

Cal.Health & Safety Code
§ 25400.28 (disclosure); §§ 25400.11(q) and (r) (definitions).

*Exempt if located in a mobilehome park or manufactured home park.

Military Ordnance Location

Yes

No3

No

No

No

No

SPQ may be used (or ESD if TDS exempt)

Cal. Civ. Code § 1102.15.

Mining Operations1

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

NHD expert's report

Cal. Civ. Code § 1103.4

Mold
(Disclosure
of Excessive
Mold or Health
Threat)10

No

No

No

No

No/No

No

RGM may be used (optional).

Cal.
Health & Safety Code §§ 26140, 26141, 26147.

CDHS has not yet established limits.

Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

The form NHD has been discontinued in the C.A.R. forms library. The statutory Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement which is provided as part of the third party NHD private report fulfills the statutory requirement.

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Pest Control Inspection Report and Certification
(wood destroying pests or organisms)

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*/No

No

Cal. Civ. Code § 1099.

*Seller or Seller’s agent must deliver inspection report and subsequent certification (of work completed) to Buyer only if required by contract or the Buyer’s lender.

Private Transfer Fee

Yes

No3

No

No

No

No

NTF may be used

Cal. Civ. Code § 1102.6e.

Residential Environmental Hazards Booklet

(Optional Disclosure11)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Residential Environmental Hazards: A Guide for Homeowners, Buyers, Landlords
and Tenants
(
also in Combined Hazards Booklet)

Cal. Civ. Code § 2079.7.

Seismic
Hazard Zone1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 2694; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Smoke Detectors
Must Be In Compliance

Yes

Yes16

Yes/Yes16

Yes

No**/No

Yes

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13113.7, 13113.8, 18029.6.

**Yes, if there is a "dwelling unit" on the commercial or industrial property

Smoke Detector Written Statement of Compliance

Yes*

No

Yes*/No

No

No

Yes***

TDS (now contains statement of compliance)

WHSD may be used for real property when no TDS

***HCD Declaration for mobilehomes and manufactured homes (MHTDS also contains statement of compliance)

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13113.8, 18029.6; 25 Cal. Code Regs. § 5545.

*Required for single-family or two-unit dwellings and factory-built real property only.

Special Flood Hazard Area1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Gov't Code § 8589.3; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

State Responsibility Area (Fire Hazard Area)1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 4125, 4136; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Supplemental Property Tax Notice

Yes

No3

No

No

No

No

SPT (or SBSA may be used)

Cal. Civ. Code § 1102.6c.

Transfer Disclosure Statement

Yes

No3

No

No

No

Yes*

TDS (for
real
property)

MHTDS (for personal property manufactured or mobile homes)

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102et seq.

* Probate, Bankruptcy, REO, and Trusts exempt

Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NHD (if form required)

Cal. Gov't. Code § 51183.5; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1103et seq.

Water Conserving Fixtures Compliance

Required by virtue of ownership, but not a point of sale requirement

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No/Yes*

No

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1101.4(b), 1101.5(a) (d).

* Not a point of sale requirement

*Applies only to real property built on or before Jan. 1, 1994;

See the Summary Disclosure Chart for exemptions.

Water Conserving Fixtures Disclosure

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

Yes*

No/Yes*

No

C.A.R. Forms TDS and SPQ should be used, or the ESD if the property is TDS-exempt. C.A.R. Form WCMD is optional.

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1101.4(c), 1101.5(e), 1102.155.

*Applies only to real property built on or before Jan. 1, 1994

See the Summary Disclosure Chart for exemptions.

Water
Heater Bracing Requirement

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No/Maybe12

Yes13

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 19211, 18031.7.

Water
Heater Bracing Statement
of Compliance

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No/Maybe12

Yes***

TDS (now contains statement of compliance)

WHSD may be used for real property if no TDS

***HCD Declaration for mobilehomes and manufactured homes

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 19211, 18031.7;
25 Cal. Code Regs. §4102.

Window Security Bars

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

TDS (for real property)

MHTDS (for personal property manufactured or mobilehomes)

Cal. Civ. Code §1102.16.


ENDNOTES

  1. This information is included in disclosure reports obtainable from third-party disclosure reporting companies. In transactions requiring a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement (NHD), this information must be disclosed on the NHD form (which also may be prepared by a third-party company on behalf of a seller or real estate agent).  Note that the "Airport in Vicinity", "Farm and Ranch Proximity" and "Notice of Mining Operations" disclosures are required to be included, when applicable, on NHD reports by experts. The statute doesn't otherwise make this a disclosure requirement.  (Cal. Civ. Code § 1103.4.)
  2. This disclosure requirement applies to transfers of precast concrete or reinforced/unreinforced masonry buildings with wood-frame floors or roofs. Though this requirement is most relevant to commercial properties, the law does not specifically exempt masonry buildings used for residential purposes.
  3. Transfers by fiduciaries (e.g., trustees) administering trusts generally are exempt from this disclosure requirement. However, if the trustee is a natural person who is the trustee of a revocable trust and he or she is a former owner of the property or an occupant in possession of the property within the preceding year, then compliance is required.
  4. The delivery of this booklet is not mandatory (unless required by contract) but provides important legal protections to a seller or real estate agent who elects to provide the booklet.
  5. This disclosure requirement applies to transferors of "personal, commercial, or residential property" for which flood-related disaster assistance has been provided. Vacant land is not specifically addressed by this law. As a practical matter, however, a seller generally can determine, at the time federal disaster assistance is received, whether flood insurance is required by federal agencies for the property in question.
  6. California law requires delivery of The Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety in connection with transfers of real property. However, it may be prudent to provide this booklet to purchasers of personal property manufactured or mobile homes.
  7. Federal law does not specifically require these disclosures in sales of personal property mobilehomes. However, federal regulators have taken the position that mobilehomes built before 1978 are covered by this law.
  8. A seller or real estate agent involved in the transfer of real property or a mobilehome may be liable for failing to disclose material facts affecting the value or desirability of the property. Whether or not a particular fact is "material" depends on a variety of factors. A seller or real estate agent who is unsure as to the materiality of a particular fact should consult an attorney. Alternatively, many sellers and real estate agents resolve such doubts in favor of disclosure to minimize exposure to liability. While the disclosure of certain material facts sometimes must be made in a particular format (e.g., the Transfer Disclosure Statement, or the Manufactured Home or Mobile home Transfer Disclosure Statement), the law generally does not regulate how material facts must be disclosed (though written disclosure is almost always recommended). However, the RPA-CA requires that the seller complete an SPQ in transactions where a TDS is required, or if a TDS is not required, that the seller complete an ESD.
  9. This information, as it pertains to Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts, generally applies to resale transactions. Subdividers and their agents may have to comply with separate Mello-Roos district disclosure obligations under California Government Code § 53341.5.
  10. California's Toxic Mold Protection Act requires that in residential and commercial/industrial lease transactions, and in commercial/industrial sales transactions, landlords/sellers disclose to tenants/buyers mold that either exceeds permissible limits set by California's Department of Health Services (CDHS) or poses a health threat. This disclosure need not be made until the CDHS establishes permissible mold exposure limits. The CDHS has not yet taken this action, and the Act does not specifically require any alternative disclosure in the interim.
  11. The delivery of this booklet is not mandatory (unless required by contract), but provides important legal protections to a seller or real estate agent who elects to provide the booklet. This booklet is often combined with The Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety and the lead hazard disclosure pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (which are mandatory in certain transactions).
  12. California law requires the seller of any real property to certify that new and replacement water heaters have been braced, anchored, or strapped to resist movement during an earthquake. Though these statutory requirements are most relevant to water heaters located in residential properties, they do not specifically exempt commercial or industrial properties.
  13. California law requires all new and replacement water heaters, and all existing residential water heaters, to be braced, anchored, or strapped to resist movement during an earthquake, including those in mobilehomes and manufactured homes. 
  14. California law sometimes requires that a specific form (or exact language) be used.  Examples are the AD, FLD, TDS, MHTDS, and the NHD.  Other times, the law requires a disclosure but doesn't mandate that particular language be used.  However, C.A.R. provides forms for that purpose--indicated in this chart by the words "may be used."  The law doesn't require the use of these forms.  Examples are the AVID, MCN, NTF, SBSA, ESD, SPQ, AS, AB, WHSD, REO, and REOL. 
  15. The disclosure required by this law consists of four documents: the Disclosure Summary Sheet, the Statement of Energy Performance, the Data Checklist, and the Facility Summary, all of which must be generated through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Portfolio Manager.  While many aspects of this law have remained in force, the obligation of an owner or operator of a building to disclose the above-described information to a prospective buyer, lessee of the entire building, or lender that would finance the entire building has been repealed effective January 1, 2016. Cal.Pub.Res. Code § 25402.10.
  16. Smoke alarms are required under state law to be installed on all properties intended for human occupancy. However, as a point of sale requirement there are limited exceptions including bankruptcy, trust, probate and foreclosure sales, but not REO sales. It is prudent risk management to have the smoke alarms installed regardless of the type of property being sold. This is because it is often required by both locations and lenders, in addition to the state law requirement. 
  17. Under the Hazardous Substances Account Act, any owner of nonresidential property who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that any release of a "hazardous substance" as defined in the Act is location on or beneath his or her property must disclose this fact in writing to any prospective buyer or tenant before consummating the transaction. A residential seller discloses "environmental hazards" on the TDS in answer to question C.1., or if TDS exempt, on the Exempt Seller's Disclosures (form SSD) as a material fact
  18. The Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Advisory, Disclosure and Addendum (FHDS) will be needed for any transaction that requires a TDS and is a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity where the property will close on or after July 1, 2021. Under the revised RPA (12/21), it is no longer necessary to include the FHDS as an addendum with the original offer or counter-offer. Instead, the FHDS may be delivered during the first seven days after the purchase agreement is entered into as a typical disclosure. However, the buyer would still be required to agree to its terms, failing which, the seller may cancel the agreement after delivering a Notice to Buyer to Perform. This defensible space law requires that the buyer and seller shall agree in writing that the buyer will take on the obligations of any defensible space or vegetation management laws in most circumstances. Typically, the buyer must comply within one year after close.
    It is only when a local jurisdiction has enacted a local vegetation management ordinance or a law that requires  compliance as a condition of transfer that there would be a true point of sale requirement. If there is no such local law, the seller shall provide documentation of compliance with state defensible space law, if the seller had indeed obtained such documentation within six months prior to entering into the transaction. But if neither of the above, the seller and the buyer must enter into a written agreement in which the buyer agrees to obtain documentation of compliance with defensible space laws or local vegetation management ordinance within one year after close or as required by the local ordinance
  19. It is unclear whether the appraisal disclosure is required for properties not subject to the TDS law. Among other provisions of Assembly Bill 948, an appraisal disclosure will be required for "every contract for the sale of real property" as of July 1, 2022. However, AB 948 placed this disclosure requirement within TDS law which limits its application to residential one to four properties (among other exemptions), creating a conflict between the general and specific provisions of AB 948. As such, as part of a conservative risk management approach, it is likely that the C.A.R. appraisal disclosure form (which has yet to be drafted) will be incorporated as a prechecked attachment into all C.A.R. real property sales agreements including commercial, vacant land and residential 5+, subject to approval by the Standard Forms Advisory Committee.

This chart is just one of the many legal publications and services offered by C.A.R. to its members. For a complete listing of C.A.R.'s legal products and services, please visit C.A.R. Member Legal Services.

Readers who require specific advice should consult an attorney. C.A.R. members requiring legal assistance may contact C.A.R.'s Member Legal Hotline at (213) 739-8282, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

C.A.R. members who are broker-owners, office managers, or Designated REALTORS® may contact the Member Legal Hotline at (213) 739-8350 to receive expedited service. Members may also submit online requests to speak with an attorney on the Member Legal Hotline by going to http://www.car.org/legal/legal-hotline-access/.  Written correspondence should be addressed to:

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Member Legal Services
915 L Street, #1460
Sacramento, CA 95814


Copyright© 2024 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). Permission is granted to C.A.R. members to reprint this material in hardcopy or PDF format only for personal use or with individual clients. This material may not be used or reproduced for commercial purposes. Other reproduction or use is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the C.A.R Legal Department. All rights reserved. Revised by Robert Bloom, Esq.

The information contained herein is believed accurate as of the date above. It is intended to provide general answers to general questions and is not intended as a substitute for individual legal advice. Advice in specific situations may differ depending upon a wide variety of factors. Therefore, readers with specific legal questions should seek the advice of an attorney.

SUPPORT
Top Searches
;