Are Sellers Required to Provide Property Disclosures in Connecticut?

What Most Sellers Need to Know—And the Important Exceptions

One of the most common questions I hear from Connecticut homeowners is:
“Am I required to provide a property disclosure when I sell?”

In most residential sales, the answer is yes.

Connecticut law requires sellers of one-to-four family residential properties to complete a Residential Property Condition Disclosure Report and provide it to buyers early in the transaction. This form outlines what you know about the condition of your home—its systems, structure, utilities, and any known defects.

The goal isn’t to guarantee a perfect house. It’s to be transparent about what you know.

There are a few important exceptions.

When Disclosures Are Required

If you are a typical homeowner selling a primary residence or a property you’ve lived in, you will almost always be required to complete the disclosure.

If a seller chooses not to provide the form, Connecticut law allows the buyer to receive a $500 credit at closing in lieu of the disclosure. However—and this is critical—opting out does not eliminate your responsibility to be honest about known issues.

Common Exceptions

Certain sellers are exempt from completing the disclosure because they may not have personal knowledge of the property, including:

Executors or administrators of an estate
Trustees
Guardians or conservators
Bank-owned or foreclosure sellers
Sellers who have never lived in the home

These sellers are not required to complete the form in the same way as an owner-occupant. However, even in these situations, the law does not allow a seller to hide or misrepresent known problems.

What Are “Material Facts”?

Whether you are required to complete the disclosure or fall under an exception, you are still legally obligated to disclose known material facts.

A material fact is anything that could reasonably affect a buyer’s decision to purchase the home or the price they are willing to pay.

Examples include:

A history of water intrusion or flooding
Structural issues or foundation movement
Known roof leaks
Mold problems
Defective systems (heating, electrical, septic, well)
Environmental concerns
Unpermitted work you are aware of

In simple terms:
If you know about an issue and a buyer would care about it, it’s material.

Failing to disclose a material fact can expose a seller to serious legal and financial risk—even years after the sale.

Why This Matters for Sellers

Handled properly, disclosures:

Build trust with buyers
Reduce surprises during inspections
Keep deals from falling apart
Protect you from future claims
Create a smoother path to closing

Handled poorly—or avoided altogether—they can become one of the biggest sources of liability in a transaction.

The Expert Takeaway

Most Connecticut home sales do require a Residential Property Condition Disclosure. While some sellers—such as executors and trustees—are exempt from completing the form, no seller is exempt from disclosing known material facts.

The strongest transactions are built on clarity and trust. When disclosures are handled correctly, they protect you just as much as they inform the buyer.

If you’re thinking about selling, I’ll be there every step of the way—to protect your interests, avoid costly mistakes, and get you to the closing table with confidence.