The Washington D.C. residential real estate purchase agreement (“residential real property purchase and sale agreement”) is a contract that outlines the terms of a residential property deal between a buyer and a seller. It binds a buyer and a seller to a definite transaction as described in detail in the contract.
Required Seller Disclosures in Washington D.C.
Residential real estate purchase agreements normally contain promises and provisions guaranteeing a property’s condition. In some states, sellers are required to provide additional documentation guaranteeing the property’s condition. While other states require the seller to disclose a specific type of issue on the property—such as a material defect. In Washington D.C. you will need to complete the following paperwork besides the purchase agreement:
Real Property Seller’s Disclosure Statement – In Washington D.C. the requirements of this disclosure apply to the transfer or sale of real property located in Washington D.C. consisting of at least 1 but not more than 4 dwelling units. This disclosure includes a description of the property’s features and their current or past conditions.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If the property was built before 1978, the buyer must disclose this federal law to the prospective buyer. Any past reports must be given to the buyer and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pamphlet must be provided.
Sources
- 1 D.C. Code § 42–1305
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The residential real property disclosure statement approved by the Mayor shall contain the following:
(1) A list of actually known defects or information concerning the following:
(A) Water and sewer systems[,] including:
(i) The results of any lead tests conducted on the water supply of the property;
(ii) Lead-bearing plumbing, including the lead service line serving the property;
(iii) Whether the portion of the lead water service line on private property, and the portion of the lead water service line on public property, that serves the property in which the dwelling unit is located has been replaced, and if so, the date of the replacement; and
(iv) Inclusion on the DC Water website as a property with lead water service lines[;]
(B) Insulation;
(C) Structural systems, including roof, walls, floors, foundation, and basement;
(D) Plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems;
(E) History of infestation by rodents or wood-boring insects, if any;
(F) Appliances;
(G) Alarm system and intercom system;
(H) Garage door opener and remote control; and
(I) Fixtures; and
(2) Any other information required by the Mayor to be published by rulemaking, provided that nothing in this chapter or in any rules shall be deemed to modify or amend § 42-1755(f) [repealed].
