Louisiana Property Disclosure Document
Louisiana Revised Statutes §9:3196–9:3200 require sellers to complete a Property Disclosure Document for residential sales. Deliver it to buyers before or within 10 days of entering a purchase agreement. Buyers have 3 days to rescind after receipt.
The form covers:
Flood History — Critical in Baton Rouge
The August 2016 floods were catastrophic for East Baton Rouge Parish — over 60,000 homes were damaged. If your property flooded in 2016 (or any other event), you must disclose this.
Under federal law (Biggert-Waters), sellers must also disclose if the property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Flood insurance in SFHAs is required for federally backed loans and can cost $2,000–$5,000/year.
Check your property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov.
Lead Paint
Required for pre-1978 homes.
Louisiana Notarial Act — Required
Louisiana Civil Code requires all real estate transfers to be executed as a notarial act before a Louisiana notary public (who is typically a licensed attorney). This is a legal requirement, not optional. Budget $700–$1,200 for notary/attorney fees at closing.
No Louisiana Transfer Tax
Louisiana has no statewide real estate transfer tax. Some parishes charge nominal recording fees.
Download Louisiana disclosure forms and find flat fee MLS services.