What’s on the Maryland Seller Disclosure Form?
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Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
You know your Maryland home better than anyone, which means you also know its ins and outs. If you’re planning to sell, you may be wondering what you need to disclose on the Maryland seller disclosure form, officially known as the Maryland Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement.
This form provides potential buyers with a better picture of your property’s condition and history, helping them make a more informed decision about purchasing your home. Additionally, it can also protect you.
In this post, we’ll tell you what to expect, how much detail to provide, and what could go wrong if you leave something out. We’ll also provide a downloadable Disclosure Litmus Test to help you identify any red flags.
How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?
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What is the Maryland seller disclosure form?
The Maryland seller disclosure form, or Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement, is a 4-page document developed by the Maryland Association of Realtors. It’s designed to help you disclose any known issues or facts about your home that could impact its value or a buyer’s decision to complete the purchase.
Maryland law requires sellers to disclose all material facts — in other words, anything that could impact the buyer’s use or enjoyment of the property. The Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement form acts as a guide to help you do this thoroughly. It covers everything from structural issues and past repairs to neighborhood conditions and HOA rules.
Note: Even if you’re selling a home “as is” in Maryland, you’re still required to be truthful and transparent about what you know.
What’s included in the Maryland seller disclosure form?
Below is a section-by-section summary of what you’ll likely be asked to disclose when selling a home in Maryland. Note that this is just an example of what will appear on the form; your actual form may differ, with more information required.
Property systems
Water and sewage type
Heating, cooling, and hot water systems (type, age, condition)
Electrical system and smoke alarm compliance
Septic system status (if applicable)
Structural elements
Foundation issues
Basement leaks or moisture
Roof condition and age
Structural defects in walls, floors, or other components
Interior and exterior condition
Plumbing functionality
Insulation locations
Drainage problems or standing water
Gutter/downspout condition
Environmental and safety factors
Wood-destroying insect damage or treatment
Hazardous materials (asbestos, radon, lead paint, etc.)
Carbon monoxide alarm (if required)
Property restrictions and location factors
Zoning or permit issues
Easements
Whether the property is in a flood zone, wetland, historic district, or Chesapeake Bay Critical Area
HOA or community association rules
Other known defects
Any additional material or latent defects the seller is aware of
Download and print our Disclosure Litmus Test
Use this link to download a printable checklist (62KB) to prepare for completing the Maryland seller disclosure form. The questions on this Seller Disclosure Litmus Test reflect the types of details and issues you may need to reveal about your home — and what buyers expect to know.
Check off anything that applies to your Maryland property. If you’re unsure about something, make a note to ask your real estate agent or investigate further. The goal is to help you think through what needs to be documented and disclosed during the sale process.
What is not required to be disclosed? Maryland law does not require you to disclose if someone died in the home, if a previous occupant had HIV or AIDS, or if a sex offender lives nearby. You’re also not obligated to disclose neighborhood rumors, supposed paranormal activity, or personal reasons for selling, unless you are directly asked and your answer could be misleading.
Find a Top Agent to Help You Navigate Disclosures
HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market who can help you navigate your entire home-selling journey — from disclosures to closing.
Common mistakes sellers make on the disclosure form
Here are some of the most common missteps sellers make when filling out the Maryland Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement:
- Checking “yes” without providing an explanation: If you check a yes box that includes an “Explain” line, you need to expand on the line item to avoid stalling our the sale.
- Guessing instead of explaining: If you’re not sure about something, don’t make assumptions — just state that you don’t know or add an explanation.
- Failing to attach supporting documents: Inspection reports, permits, repair invoices, and warranties can verify your information for the buyer.
- Not disclosing repaired issues: Even if you’ve fixed a problem listed on the form, like a roof leak or plumbing issue, it still needs to be reported.
- Minimizing or softening the truth: Downplaying a defect can open you up to legal problems if the buyer later discovers the issue was worse than described.
What if you fail to disclose something important?
If you fail to disclose a known material fact about your Maryland home, the buyer may have grounds to cancel the contract or sue you after the sale. In some cases, nondisclosure can be treated as fraud under Maryland law, especially if the omission appears intentional. Being upfront now helps prevent bigger headaches later.
When and how buyers review the disclosure
Under Maryland’s standard purchase contract, you’re expected to provide a completed Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement within a few days of contract acceptance. The buyer then has a set review period in Maryland of five days to examine the form and decide whether to move forward, request repairs, or cancel the deal.
Partner with a top Maryland agent to protect your sale
Disclosing your home’s condition is one of the most important — and legally sensitive — parts of the selling process in Maryland. A top local agent can help you understand what’s required, avoid common pitfalls, and provide expert guidance so you can complete the Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement accurately and confidently.
Unsure where to start? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted real estate agents in your Maryland market. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your goals and selling timeline.
You’ll find more helpful guides in HomeLight’s Maryland Seller Resource Center.
See the top real estate agents in 10 Maryland markets:
- Top real estate agents in Baltimore
- Top real estate agents in Germantown
- Top real estate agents in Silver Spring
- Top real estate agents in Ellicott City
- Top real estate agents in Glen Burnie
- Top real estate agents in Frederick
- Top real estate agents in Gaithersburg
- Top real estate agents in Rockville
- Top real estate agents in Bethesda
- Top real estate agents in Dundalk
If you’re buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, which can streamline the entire process so you only move once. Watch this short video to see how it works.
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