Pennsylvania Mandates Flood History Disclosures for Homes
A new law requires Pennsylvania home sellers to document property flood risks and claims to better protect future buyers.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Residential
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Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation requiring home sellers across Pennsylvania to disclose past flood damage and insurance claims. The new mandate aims to provide homebuyers with greater transparency regarding a property's flood risk before finalizing a purchase.
Why it matters
The law is designed to help prospective homeowners avoid unexpected financial burdens by ensuring they are aware of a home's history with flooding. It enables buyers to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage and prepare for insurance requirements.
Sellers must now report if a property is in a high- or moderate-risk FEMA flood zone and disclose any government assistance received for past flood damage. The law requires seven questions regarding flood history to be included on property disclosure forms.
The players
Josh Shapiro
He serves as the Governor of Pennsylvania and signed the legislation into law.
Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission
This body is responsible for updating the state's official property disclosure statement form.
FEMA
This federal agency is responsible for designating flood zones that now must be reported by home sellers.
The details
The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission is tasked with updating the official property disclosure statement form to reflect these mandatory reporting standards. While the legislation applies to home sales, the new rules do not extend to landlords.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: Governor Josh Shapiro signed the new flood disclosure law.
Summer 2028: Home sellers must comply with the new disclosure requirements.
Culture Shift
This policy change reflects a broader movement toward increased transparency in the real estate market regarding climate-related risks. It signals a societal shift where property history documentation is becoming standard practice to protect consumer investments against environmental hazards.
Home sellers in Pennsylvania will need to prepare detailed records of past flood incidents and insurance filings to complete their disclosure documents. Buyers can expect more comprehensive information during the home-buying process, helping them accurately assess long-term ownership costs.
The takeaway
Homebuyers should prioritize reviewing property flood history as part of their due diligence process to avoid future financial strain. Sellers should begin gathering necessary insurance claim records and FEMA flood zone documentation well in advance of the 2028 deadline.
What happens next
The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission will finalize and publish the updated property disclosure statement forms prior to the summer 2028 implementation deadline.
Further reading
For more information on market standards, visit the Pennsylvania Residential section.
Live Poll
Do you believe mandatory flood risk disclosures help homebuyers make better financial decisions?
