Richmond Home Seller Disclosure Requirements (2026)
Virginia's disclosure framework gives sellers the choice between full disclosure and a "no representation" disclaimer, but certain items must be disclosed regardless. Richmond's historic housing stock (the Fan, Museum District, Church Hill) creates specific lead paint obligations, and James River corridor properties have flood zone considerations.
Virginia Residential Property Disclosure
Virginia Code §55.1-700 et seq. governs seller disclosure. The Residential Property Disclosure Statement must be delivered to buyers. Buyers have 3 days after receipt to void the contract.
Full disclosure vs. no-representation disclaimer:
For Richmond FSBO sellers, full disclosure is generally the better approach. It demonstrates good faith to buyers and reduces the likelihood of post-closing disputes.
Mandatory Disclosures Under Virginia Code
Regardless of which approach you take, Virginia Code requires:
Flood zone and flooding history: Sellers must disclose if the property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area and whether the property has flooded during the seller's ownership. The James River and its tributaries (Falling Creek, Pocahontas Creek, and others in Chesterfield) create flood zone exposure in some communities. Check msc.fema.gov for your current designation.
Dam break inundation zone: If your property is downstream from a dam and in a mapped dam break inundation zone, Virginia requires this disclosure. Relevant for some communities near Swift Creek Reservoir in Chesterfield County.
HOA/PUD: If your property is subject to an HOA or planned unit development, disclosure is mandatory.
Military air installation noise or accident potential zone: Disclose if within a defined noise contour or APZ of a military air installation. Richmond has Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams) in nearby Prince George County and the Richmond International Airport. Review AICUZ maps for proximity.
Lead Paint in Richmond's Historic Housing
The Fan District, Museum District, Ginter Park, Woodland Heights, and Church Hill neighborhoods contain some of the most concentrated pre-1940 housing stock in Virginia. Lead paint is essentially universal in these areas.
Federal requirements apply to all pre-1978 homes: provide the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form and the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." Allow buyers a 10-day period (or negotiate a shorter period) for lead inspection.
FHA loan buyers face specific challenges with lead paint in Richmond's historic neighborhoods. FHA requires any chipping, peeling, or deteriorating paint to be remediated before loan approval. If your Fan or Museum District home has unpainted or deteriorating exterior trim, iron railings, or interior surfaces, this may require attention before accepting FHA offers.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Disclosure
Many pre-WWII Richmond homes retain original or partially replaced knob-and-tube wiring. Disclose any known electrical condition. Homeowner's insurance carriers increasingly either decline coverage or surcharge for knob-and-tube wiring. Buyers should be aware that insurance costs may be elevated for homes with original wiring.
Chinese Drywall
Some homes built in the mid-2000s in the greater Richmond area (particularly in Chesterfield County subdivisions built during 2005–2009) may have Chinese drywall — a defective imported drywall product that emits sulfur compounds, corrodes copper wiring, and may cause health issues. If known, disclose. Virginia Code specifically requires this disclosure.
Virginia Transfer Taxes
Grantor's tax: Seller pays $0.10 per $100 of consideration. On $360,000: $360.
State recordation tax: Typically paid by buyer ($0.25 per $100), though parties can negotiate.
County fees: Henrico, Chesterfield, and other counties charge filing and processing fees.
Closing Process in Richmond
Virginia is not an attorney-state — title companies handle most residential closings. However, using a real estate attorney for FSBO sellers (not as closing agent, but for contract review) is strongly advisable, particularly for older Fan/Museum District homes with complex title histories.