Bill > H0827

This bill modifies existing Vermont law regarding disclosures sellers must make when selling real estate, specifically concerning flooding. The key change allows a seller who has never lived in the property they are selling to avoid directly confirming whether the property experienced flooding or flood damage during their ownership. Instead, such a seller can satisfy the disclosure requirement by providing written notice to the buyer stating they haven't resided on the property and therefore cannot affirm its flood history. However, this exemption does not apply if the seller has actual knowledge of any flooding or flood damage that occurred while they owned the property. The bill also clarifies that "flood damage" includes issues from inundation (being underwater) or from flood-related erosion or landslides. This provision aims to provide clarity and potentially reduce liability for non-resident sellers who lack direct knowledge of a property's past flood events.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.827