Los Angeles Home Seller Disclosure Requirements (2026)
California has more mandatory seller disclosures than almost any other state. Los Angeles adds additional local layers. This guide covers the exact forms required, the timeline for delivery, and the consequences of non-disclosure.
Required Disclosures for LA Home Sellers
1. Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) — California Civil Code §1102 The TDS is California's primary disclosure form. It's mandatory — there's no payment alternative. Sellers complete Part II (which covers all material facts known to the seller). Buyers acknowledge receipt. If a material defect is later discovered that was known to the seller and not disclosed, the seller faces fraud and misrepresentation liability.
The TDS covers: property condition (roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), existence of lawsuits involving the property, encroachments, unpermitted work, zoning violations, HOA issues, and known nuisances.
2. Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) Report California requires disclosure of six statutory natural hazard zones:
In LA County, many properties in hillside areas (Topanga, Malibu, the Hollywood Hills, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock) are in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This affects:
Hire an NHD report company ($100–$200) — they generate the required disclosure automatically. This is the standard practice.
3. Seller's Supplemental Checklist (CAR Form SSD or equivalent) Many LA transactions include a Supplemental Seller's Checklist covering items like HOA details, litigation history, and other items not covered by the TDS.
4. Lead Paint Disclosure — required for pre-1978 properties. LA has extensive pre-1978 housing stock (Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Revival, post-WWII tract homes).
5. California Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, and Water Heater Compliance California requires sellers to certify at closing that:
These are seller obligations — address them before listing.
LA-Specific Additional Disclosures
Airport Noise (LA-44 or equivalent): Properties in LAX noise impact zones (Inglewood, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lennox, and surrounding areas) require airport noise disclosure.
Mello-Roos and Special Assessment Districts: Many newer LA developments (Playa Vista, much of the Antelope Valley, some San Fernando Valley suburbs) are in Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) that impose additional annual taxes beyond standard property taxes. Buyers need to understand total tax obligation. Disclose Mello-Roos participation on the TDS and in the purchase agreement.
Methamphetamine Contamination Disclosure (Health & Safety Code §25400.28): If you know or have reason to believe the property was used for meth production, written disclosure is required.
LA's Mansion Tax (ULA Tax) — Above $5 Million
For properties selling above $5,000,000 in the City of Los Angeles (not LA County), the ULA Measure (Measure ULA, effective April 2023) imposes an additional transfer tax: 4% on sales $5M–$10M, 5.5% on sales over $10M. This is a seller-paid tax. For most single-family FSBO sellers, this doesn't apply — but be aware if your property is in premium LA markets.
The 3-Day Rescission Right
After receipt of all required disclosures, California buyers have 3 days (in-person delivery) or 5 days (mailed delivery) to rescind the contract without penalty. Deliver disclosures as early as possible in the transaction — typically within 5–7 days of contract execution.
Unpermitted Additions and Work
LA has a substantial volume of unpermitted additions, ADUs constructed before they were legal, and work done without permits. The TDS requires disclosure of any known unpermitted work. Buyers' lenders and appraisers also look for work that doesn't match permit records. Disclose proactively and be accurate about the scope of any unpermitted work.