Selling a home in Falls Church comes with a unique question: exactly what do you have to disclose to buyers in Virginia? You want a smooth sale with no last‑minute surprises, and clear disclosures are a big part of that. In this guide, you will learn which forms to use, when to deliver them, what local issues to check, and what rights buyers have if disclosures are late. Let’s dive in.
What Virginia law requires
Virginia’s Residential Property Disclosure Act sets the rules for most 1–4 unit residential sales. The law relies on a standard disclosure statement and a handful of topic‑specific forms when you have actual knowledge of certain conditions. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) publishes the official forms and updates them as needed, including a revised Residential Property Disclosure Statement effective July 1, 2025. Use the current forms posted by DPOR to stay compliant.
- Review the official Residential Property Disclosure Statement and instructions on DPOR’s site: DPOR Residential Property Disclosures
DPOR forms you may need
Every seller should complete the Residential Property Disclosure Statement and related acknowledgement. Depending on your property, you may also need one or more affirmative disclosures published by DPOR. Common examples include:
- Building Code Enforcement Action or Zoning Violation Disclosure
- Flood Risk Information Form and Repetitive Risk Loss Structure Disclosure
- Septic System Disclosure or Waiver
- Military Air Installation Disclosure
- Property Previously Used for Methamphetamine Manufacture Disclosure
- Privately Owned Stormwater Management Facility Disclosure
- Lis Pendens Disclosure
Find the current versions here: DPOR disclosure forms list.
Falls Church items to check
If you have actual knowledge of a pending enforcement action under the building code or a written notice of a zoning violation, Virginia law requires a written disclosure on the Real Estate Board form. The duty is triggered by written notice from the locality. See the statute on pending code and zoning actions in § 55.1‑706.
To confirm your status, check with the City of Falls Church for any outstanding notices, permits, or certificates of occupancy. Start with the City’s Zoning and Building Safety pages: Falls Church Zoning and Permitting.
Lead paint in older homes
For most homes built before 1978, federal law requires a lead‑based paint disclosure separate from Virginia’s forms. You must provide buyers with the EPA pamphlet, disclose any known lead hazards, share available reports, include a lead warning statement in the contract, and give buyers a 10‑day opportunity for a lead inspection if they want it. Review the federal rules here: EPA lead‑based paint disclosure rule.
Flood risk and repetitive loss
Virginia’s disclosure package includes a Flood Risk Information Form. If you have actual knowledge that the dwelling is a repetitive risk loss structure under the National Flood Insurance Program, you must disclose that status. Buyers can review FEMA flood maps during their due diligence. Access the form set on DPOR’s page: DPOR disclosure forms list.
HOA and condo resales
If your property is in a common‑interest community, you will need to provide the association’s resale materials under the Virginia Resale Disclosure Act. Request the packet early so buyers receive complete and current information. Learn more from DPOR’s guidance: Resale disclosure notices.
When to deliver disclosures
Timing matters. In most cases, you must give the required disclosures before the contract is ratified. If the disclosures are delivered after ratification, the purchaser receives a statutory right to terminate within specific windows set by law, including three days after personal or electronic delivery or five days after postmark if mailed. The exact rules are in § 55.1‑709.
Best practice: deliver the complete disclosure package before ratification so you do not grant the buyer an easy termination right under the statute.
Buyer remedies and licensee duties
There is a one‑year window to bring actions under the disclosure chapter that generally runs from when the buyer received the disclosures. If disclosures were never delivered, it runs from settlement or occupancy. Buyers may still pursue other legal remedies for misrepresentation where applicable. See timing and rights in § 55.1‑709.
Virginia also sets duties for real estate licensees. Listing agents must inform sellers about their obligations and inform buyers of their rights under the Act. If they do that, the law limits further duties under this chapter, though general professional duties still apply. See § 55.1‑712.
Simple seller checklist
- Download and complete the current DPOR Residential Property Disclosure Statement and acknowledgement before ratification. Use the official forms: DPOR Residential Property Disclosures.
- Check for written notices: contact Falls Church Zoning and Building Safety to confirm any pending code or zoning actions and verify permit and CO records. If you have written notice of an enforcement action, disclose it using the Real Estate Board form. Start here: Falls Church Zoning and Permitting.
- If your home was built before 1978, provide the federal pamphlet, disclose known lead hazards and reports, and include the contract warning statement. Review requirements: EPA lead‑based paint disclosure rule.
- Complete other applicable DPOR forms, such as flood risk, repetitive‑loss, septic, stormwater, or methamphetamine manufacture history: DPOR disclosure forms list.
- If in an HOA or condo, order the association resale materials early and follow the timelines under the Resale Disclosure Act: Resale disclosure notices.
- Keep proof of delivery for every disclosure and notice you provide.
Keep proof of delivery
Save copies of all forms, buyer acknowledgements, delivery receipts, City notices, permits, certificates, and any lead or inspection reports. Good records help prevent disputes and make it easier to respond if questions come up later.
Work with a local guide
Clear, on‑time disclosures protect your sale and reduce stress. If you want a calm, step‑by‑step plan tailored to your Falls Church property, reach out to Jürgen Gonzalez for disciplined, high‑touch guidance backed by deep Northern Virginia experience.
FAQs
What must Falls Church sellers disclose under Virginia law?
- Virginia uses a state disclosure statement plus topic‑specific forms when you have actual knowledge of listed conditions. Use the current DPOR packet and forms found on the DPOR Residential Property Disclosures page.
Do I need to fix local code or zoning issues before selling?
- If the City has given you written notice of a pending enforcement action or zoning violation, you must disclose it under § 55.1‑706; you can also work with Falls Church Zoning and Building Safety to resolve items: Falls Church Zoning and Permitting.
When are Virginia disclosures due to the buyer?
- Provide them before contract ratification; if delivered after, the purchaser gets limited termination rights with specific windows set in § 55.1‑709.
How do HOA and condo resale disclosures work?
- If your home is in an association, you must deliver the resale packet under the Virginia Resale Disclosure Act; start early and follow the timelines in DPOR’s resale disclosure notices.
What happens if I skip or delay a required disclosure?
- Late delivery can give buyers a right to terminate under § 55.1‑709, and there is a one‑year limitations period for actions under the chapter; separate misrepresentation claims may still apply.
