What is a Property Disclosure
— and Why it Matters in Louisiana
Understanding one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of selling a home.
Selling a Home in Louisiana? Don’t Skip This Step.
When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to focus on curb appeal, listing photos, and price negotiations. But there’s one document that’s legally required in Louisiana—and skipping it can cost you big time.
We’re talking about the Property Disclosure Document.
This form isn’t just paperwork. It’s a critical part of protecting yourself legally and making your sale stick.
What Is a Property Disclosure?
A Property Disclosure is a detailed form where the seller outlines known issues or defects with the property. Think foundation problems, roof leaks, HVAC issues, termites—anything that could materially affect the home’s value or livability.
In Louisiana, sellers are required by law to provide this disclosure to the buyer before any purchase agreement is signed.
This isn’t optional. It’s written into state law under the Louisiana Residential Property Disclosure Act (La. R.S. 9:3196 et seq.).
What’s Actually Required in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) provides an official disclosure form that sellers must use. It includes questions about:
Structural and mechanical systems
Roofing and drainage
Plumbing, electrical, and appliances
Past flooding, mold, or water intrusion
Termite activity or wood-destroying insects
Additions or renovations (permitted or not)
You’re not expected to be a home inspector—but you are required to answer truthfully based on what you know.
Why It’s More Than Just a Legal Form
Here’s where things get tricky.
Filling out a Property Disclosure seems simple on the surface, but it’s one of the easiest ways for sellers to make costly mistakes. Misstating, omitting, or “guessing” on the form—even unintentionally—can:
Delay the sale
Give buyers grounds to back out
Trigger lawsuits after closing
We’ve seen it all—from deals that collapsed at the last minute to sellers stuck in legal limbo months after moving out.
Mistakes That Can Cost You (and How to Avoid Them)
Most issues come from well-meaning sellers who simply didn’t know:
That disclosing a past roof leak—even if it’s fixed—is required
That you can’t hide behind “as-is” language in Louisiana
That even off-market or FSBO sellers are bound by the same law
A property disclosure is like a contract—missteps can haunt you later.
Get It Right the First Time
Navigating this process on your own can be overwhelming. That’s why many Louisiana homeowners choose to work with a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of disclosure law—and how to protect you.
Whether you’re selling on your own or just exploring your options, having the right guidance can save you time, stress, and legal headaches.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
We help sellers like you every day—whether it’s your first sale or your fifth. If you’re unsure about how to complete the Property Disclosure, or just want to make sure you’re not missing anything that could trip up your sale, let’s talk.
There’s no pressure. Just smart advice that can help you sell with confidence.
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