Landlords Don’t Necessarily Have to Disclose Murders

Because not all landlords are aware that they may be required to declare a death in the home they intend to rent out. The requirements for death disclosures differ by state, as do many landlord-tenant laws, so landlords should take the effort to familiarize themselves with their own regulations.

So, moving into a location where people were murdered is a recipe for tragedy, as we all know from horror films. Fortunately, landlords are obligated to provide information about a building's past, including whether any violent crimes occurred there. With the exception of all the locations where they are not required to do so, which is the majority of states.

The disclosure of home fatalities is only truly required in three states. Any death that occurred during the previous three years, even one brought on by natural reasons, must be notified in California. In South Dakota, the past year has seen either murders or suicides. The legislation in Canada does not mandate disclosure, but like many states, it encourages realtors and landlords to be truthful.