Your Right to a Seller’s Disclosure Statement

About This Advisory
This DLCP guide explains your rights as a homebuyer or someone entering a lease-to-own agreement in the District. Before a seller can complete the sale or transfer of real property, they are required to provide you with a Seller's Disclosure Statement. For more information, see 17 DCMR 2708.

What Is a Seller's Disclosure Statement?
A Seller's Disclosure Statement is a document where the seller of District real estate shares any known issues with the property. It helps you, the consumer, to make an informed decision before buying property or signing a lease-to-own agreement.

It is important to know that this statement is a requirement of District law, but is not a warranty and does not replace home inspections. Additionally, issuance of this document does not mean the seller has professional expertise in construction, engineering, or architecture.

When Must the Seller Give You the Disclosure?
The seller-not an agent, condo/co-op/home-owners association, or management company-must complete and sign the disclosure. You must receive the Disclosure Statement before or at the time the seller signs the purchase agreement or lease-to-own contract.

The seller of the property can provide the Disclosure Statement in person, through registered mail, or by fax.

Does This Apply to All Properties?
A Seller's Disclosure Statement is required for District properties that meet the following conditions:
• Homes with one to four residential units
• A sale, exchange, installment land contract, or lease with an option to buy
• You have stated in writing that you intend to live in the property being transferred

What Information Does the Disclosure Include?
The Seller's Disclosure Statement covers important details about the property, such as:
• Structural conditions
• Property system operations
• Appliances and fixtures
• Environmental concerns
• Other issues the seller knows about

If the Seller Gives the Disclosure Late
If the seller gives you the disclosure statement after you've already signed the purchase or lease-to-own agreement, you may cancel the agreement within five (5) calendar days. Your deposit must also be returned.

How the DLCP Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) Can Help
The CPU is a team of investigators dedicated to enforcing District regulations and ensuring District consumers rights are protected. If the seller refuses to give you the disclosure or refuses to cancel the agreement after giving it late, CPU may help by mediating, issuing violations/a Notice of Infraction, and sending the case to the Real Estate Commission for review for further disciplinary action(s).

File a Complaint
To file a complaint, visit the DLCP Complaint Portal or contact us at [email protected] or at (202) 671-4500 for more information. A DLCP investigator will investigate your complaint and take appropriate enforcement action.