What’s on the North Carolina 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 North Carolina home better than anyone, which means you know every nook and cranny. If you’re making plans to sell, you may be wondering how much you need to reveal on the North Carolina seller disclosure form, officially known as the Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement.
This form provides potential buyers with a more accurate picture of your property’s condition and history, enabling them to make a more informed decision about the property. Additionally, it can also protect you in the event of any legal disputes that may occur from failing to disclose key information about your property.
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.
What is the North Carolina seller disclosure form?
The North Carolina seller disclosure form, or Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement, is a document developed by the North Carolina 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 purchase a property.
North Carolina 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 and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement form serves as a guide to help you complete this process 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 North Carolina, you’re still required to be truthful and transparent about what you know.
What’s included in the North Carolina seller disclosure form?
Below is a section-by-section summary of what you’ll be asked to disclose when selling a home in North Carolina. This brief overview should provide you with an idea of what to expect; however, please note that your actual disclosure form may vary.
Structure, windows, roof, and foundation
Year built and any structural changes
Exterior wall materials
Roof age and any leaks
Water seepage in basement/crawl space/slab
Past or current infestations or unrepaired damage
Issues with foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, deck, garage, or fireplace
HVAC and electrical
Electrical system problems
Heating or cooling system problems
Heat and cooling sources, including the year of manufacture
Fuel sources (electric, gas, propane, oil, solar)
Plumbing, water, sewer, and septic
Water supply source and well testing (if applicable)
Pipe materials
Water heater fuel and age
Sewer or septic system type
Septic permit bedroom count and pumping history
Problems with plumbing, water supply, sewer, or septic
Fixtures and appliances
Elevator and last inspection (if present)
Issues with fans, irrigation, sump pump, garage door, pool/spa, gas logs, security system
Problems with appliances or built-in systems that will convey
Land use and zoning
Drainage, grading, or soil concerns
Zoning, covenant, or building code violations
Easements, shared driveways, encroachments
Whether the property adjoins a private road and any maintenance agreements
Environmental and flooding
Hazardous materials (asbestos, radon, lead-based paint, etc.)
Environmental monitoring or mitigation systems
Underground tanks, debris, or contamination
Noise or odors from nearby industrial or military sources
Flood zone status, past flood damage, flood claims, FEMA/SBA assistance
Existing flood insurance or elevation certificate
Additional disclosures
Liens, lawsuits, judgments, or government notices affecting title
Existing leases or rental agreements
Covenants or restrictions outside an HOA
Owners’ association (if applicable)
HOA name, dues, and contact information
Transfer fees
Approved changes to dues or assessments
Violations, lawsuits, or judgments involving the property or the association
Download and print our Disclosure Litmus Test
Use this link to download a printable checklist (62KB) to prepare for completing the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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? North Carolina law does not require you to disclose if someone died in the home, if a sex offender lives nearby, or if the house has suffered some kind of damage due to a fire, provided it was repaired and up to code. You also don’t have to disclose your financial status, or if a previous occupant had HIV or AIDs.
You’re also not obligated to disclose neighborhood rumors, the presence of supposed paranormal activity, or personal reasons for selling, unless you are directly asked and your answer could be misleading.
Common mistakes sellers make on the disclosure form
Here are some of the most common missteps sellers make when filling out the North Carolina Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement:
- Checking “yes” without providing an explanation: If you check a yes box that includes an “Explain” line, not providing the details could result in delays in completing the sale.
- Guessing instead of explaining: If you’re not sure about something, don’t make assumptions. Doing so could lead to problems later down the road. State clearly that you don’t know or explain.
- Failing to attach supporting documents: Inspection reports, permits, repair invoices, and warranties help verify the validity of your disclosures.
- 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 risk 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina law, especially if the omission appears intentional. Being upfront now helps prevent bigger headaches later.
When and how buyers review the disclosure
Under North Carolina’s standard purchase contract, you’re expected to provide a completed Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement when the buyer makes an offer. The buyer then has a set review period, usually three days, to examine the form and decide whether to move forward, request repairs, or cancel the deal. A clear and honest disclosure can help keep your sale from going off the rails.
Partner with a top North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement accurately and confidently.
Unsure where to start? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted real estate agents in your North Carolina 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.
See the top real estate agents in 10 North Carolina markets:
- Top real estate agents in Greensboro
- Top real estate agents in Raleigh
- Top real estate agents in Fayetteville
- Top real estate agents in Cary
- Top real estate agents in Clayton
- Top real estate agents in Wake Forest
- Top real estate agents in Durham
- Top real estate agents in Apex
- Top real estate agents in New Bern
- Top real estate agents in Greenville
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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