Mandatory flood disclosures help communities prepare for increasing storms and disasters

Each year, communities face an increasing number of flood-related disasters, ranging from hurricanes to extreme rain to high tide in low-lying areas. Flooding is already the costliest disaster in the United States and with rising sea levels and worsening weather, it is essential that families and individuals understand the risks. Mandatory flood disclosure policies for homeowners, renters and mobile home residents help provide this transparency. 

When purchasing or renting a new home, mandatory flood disclosure informs the prospective buyer or renter of that property’s flood risk. This allows individuals and families to make more informed decisions before disaster strikes, such as buying flood insurance, prioritizing home repairs and retrofits or looking for a house in a safer location.  

Mandatory flood disclosure policies look different depending on where you live. Right now, 36 states currently have or are implementing active flood disclosure laws. Some states have very strong laws in place that protect buyers, renters and manufactured or mobile homeowners by ensuring information about a property’s flood zone, flood damage history and flood insurance status is accessible. Other states protect homebuyers but not renters or manufactured and mobile homeowners, and they may have only limited information available. Unfortunately, some states have no policies at all.

Environmental Defense Fund and partners are advocating for more and improved laws that will better protect residents against increasing flood impacts.