What must a seller disclose if a property was previously used for illegal activities?

In Pennsylvania, sellers have a legal obligation to disclose any known defects or issues that could affect a buyer's decision to purchase a property, including any previous illegal activities that may have occurred on the premises. This requirement is part of the broader expectation for transparency in real estate transactions, meant to protect both the buyer and the integrity of the market.

When a property has a history of illegal activities, these details can substantially impact potential buyers' perceptions and decisions, regardless of whether those activities have any direct effect on the property's physical condition or market value at the moment. Providing all relevant details allows buyers to make informed choices based on the history of the property, which can include anything from prior drug manufacturing to issues of criminal activity that could lead to neighborhood stigma or safety concerns.

Other choices may not align with seller disclosure laws. For instance, limiting disclosure to instances that affect market value ignores the duty to inform about potential risks and consequences of previous illegal activities. Stating that nothing needs to be disclosed if the activities occurred more than five years ago fails to recognize that the relevance of past events can persist beyond a set timeframe. Lastly, disclosing only to potential buyers in person does not meet the comprehensive disclosure requirements expected in written documentation, ensuring all interested buyers receive the same