Pennsylvania Seller Disclosure Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires sellers to disclose known material defects in a home before sale. Understanding these requirements matters whether you're buying, selling, or have recently purchased a home that turned out to have undisclosed problems.
Under the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 P.S. §§ 7301–7314), sellers must complete a standardized disclosure form covering the condition of major systems — roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC — as well as environmental hazards including lead paint, radon, asbestos, and underground storage tanks. Failure to disclose known material defects can give a buyer legal recourse after the sale, including rescission of the contract or damages.
Radon
Radon Disclosure in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has some of the highest radon levels in the United States — particularly in the south-central and eastern parts of the state, where geology creates favorable conditions for radon gas to enter homes from the soil. Sellers are not required to test for radon before sale, but they must disclose any known radon test results. Buyers should insist on radon testing during the inspection period. Mitigation systems ($800–$2,500 installed) are highly effective and should be required as a condition of sale if elevated radon is detected.
Contractor Disputes
Home Improvement Contractor Law in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) provides significant legal protections for homeowners hiring contractors for work over $500. Key provisions:
- All contractors must register as Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) with the PA Attorney General
- Contracts for work over $500 must be in writing and include a detailed description of the work, total price, and start/completion dates
- Contractors cannot demand more than one-third of the contract price as a down payment
- Homeowners have a 3-day right to cancel a home improvement contract signed at their residence
- Contractors must carry liability insurance and disclose it in the contract
Violations of HICPA are enforceable by the PA Attorney General and can result in fines, license revocation, and civil remedies for affected homeowners. File complaints at attorneygeneral.gov or call 1-800-441-2555.
Neighbor and Boundary Disputes
Pennsylvania property boundary disputes, fence conflicts, easement questions, and tree-and-landscaping disputes between neighbors are governed by a combination of state law, local ordinances, and recorded deeds and surveys. If you have a boundary or encroachment dispute, the first step is obtaining a current survey of your property — the deed description alone is often ambiguous. Many neighbor disputes can be resolved through a recorded boundary agreement; those that can't typically require a quiet title action in the county Court of Common Pleas.
HOA Issues in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Uniform Planned Community Act and Condominium Act govern HOAs and condominium associations. Homeowners have rights to inspect association records, attend meetings, vote on certain decisions, and challenge assessments through internal dispute resolution processes. If you believe your HOA is acting improperly, review your community's declaration, bylaws, and rules — and if the issue is significant, consult a Pennsylvania real estate attorney who handles community association law.