Bill > H0106

This bill proposes to modify Vermont's real estate disclosure requirements related to flood hazard areas. Specifically, the bill repeals the existing mandates that sellers must disclose whether a property is located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapped special or moderate flood hazard area. Instead, the bill now requires sellers to provide a physical, electronic, or digital link to the official FEMA flood insurance rate map for the property, or notify the buyer if such a map is unavailable. The bill maintains other existing disclosure requirements, such as informing buyers about previous flooding or flood damage to the property and whether the seller maintains flood insurance. The legislation still allows buyers to terminate a contract or seek damages if a seller fails to provide required disclosures, with some protections for sellers who rely on information from professional sources. The bill's intent is to ensure buyers are aware of potential flood risks when purchasing real property. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the new requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.106