What’s on the Wisconsin Seller Disclosure Form?

What’s included in the Wisconsin seller disclosure form?

Below is a section-by-section summary of what you’ll be asked to disclose when selling a home in Wisconsin. Note that this is just an example of what might appear on your disclosure form, and your form might be different.

Structural and mechanical

Roof issues, leaks, gutter or eave problems
Electrical system defects, outdated wiring, or non-code work
Plumbing issues, leaks, water heater, or softener problems
Heating or cooling system defects, ventilation issues, or solar equipment problems
Fireplace or wood-burning stove defects, chimney or flue issues
Smoke or carbon monoxide detector defects or violations
Basement or foundation problems, including cracks, seepage, shifting, or drain-tile issues
Structural problems in any building or improvement (walls, floors, decks, windows, doors, etc.)
Defects in mechanical equipment (appliances, sprinklers, garage door openers, etc.)
Rented items on the property (e.g., water softener)
Water intrusions, window leaks, sewer backups, or ongoing moisture issues

Environmental

Unsafe levels of mold
Radon, radium, lead paint, lead in soil, or other hazardous substances
Asbestos or asbestos-containing materials
Hazardous substances or unsafe conditions on neighboring properties
Termite, carpenter ant, or other pest infestations (past or present)
Water quality issues related to lead or other contaminants
Any past manufacture of methamphetamine or hazardous substances

Wells, septic systems, and storage tanks

Well defects, unsafe well water, or improperly closed wells
P resence of a joint well or defects related to a joint well
Existence of a septic or private sanitary system
Defects in septic systems, backups, ponding, or out-of-service systems not properly closed
Underground or aboveground fuel storage tanks (current or past)
Defects in fuel storage tanks, leaking or abandoned tanks
LP tank on the property and whether it is owned or leased
Defects in an LP tank

Taxes, special assessments, and permits

Notices of property tax increases or pending reassessment
Remodeling that may increase assessed value
Pending special assessments
Property located in a special-purpose district (e.g., drainage district)
Proposed public projects that may affect the property
Remodeling, repairs, mechanical updates, or additions completed without required permits
Land divisions completed without required permits

Land use

Homeowners’ association membership or obligations
Shared common areas (non-condo)
Zoning code violations
Property located in a floodplain, wetland, or shoreland zone
Nonconforming uses
Conservation easements
Restrictive covenants or deed restrictions
Rights-of-way, encroachments, or easements (including joint driveways)
Lack of legal access to the property
Required repairs or corrections due to federal, state, or local regulations
Non-compliant pier on the property
Burial sites on the property
Agricultural use-value assessments or conversion charges
Participation in farmland preservation programs, forest programs, or conservation programs
Ownership in a dam or a dam located on the property

Additional information

Insurance claims in the past five years
Historic building designation or inclusion in a historic district
Agreements binding future owners (leases, cooperative credits, etc.)
Other material defects affecting the property (drainage issues, earth movement, settling, etc.)

Download and print our Disclosure Litmus Test

Use this link to download a printable checklist (62KB) to prepare for completing the Wisconsin 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.

What is not required to be disclosed? Wisconsin 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, such as supposed paranormal activity, or personal reasons for selling, unless you are directly asked, and your answer could be misleading. The only exception to any of these is if they directly contributed to the current condition of the property in a detrimental way. 

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.

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Common mistakes sellers make on the disclosure form

Here are some of the most common missteps sellers make when filling out the Wisconsin Real Estate Condition Report:

• Checking “yes” without providing an explanation: If you check a yes box that includes an “Explain” line and do not provide the details, it could lead to a delay in your home 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 help verify 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 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 Badger State 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 Wisconsin law, especially if the omission appears intentional. Being upfront now helps prevent bigger headaches later.

When and how buyers review the disclosure

Under Wisconsin’s standard purchase contract, you’re expected to provide a completed Real Estate Condition Report within 10 days of contract acceptance. The buyer then has a set review period, typically a few days, to examine the form and decide whether to proceed with the sale, request repairs or an inspection of their own, or just cancel the deal. 

Partner with a top Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. A top local agent can help you understand what’s required, avoid common pitfalls, and provide expert guidance so you can complete the Real Estate Condition Report accurately and confidently.

Unsure where to start? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted real estate agents in your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Seller Resource Center.

See the top real estate agents in 10 Wisconsin markets:

• Top real estate agents in Milwaukee
• Top real estate agents in Madison
• Top real estate agents in Green Bay
• Top real estate agents in Kenosha
• Top real estate agents in Racine
• Top real estate agents in Appleton
• Top real estate agents in Waukesha
• Top real estate agents in Eau Claire
• Top real estate agents in Oshkosh
• Top real estate agents in Janesville

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.

Check off anything that applies to your Wisconsin 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.

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)