As one of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut is an old state with a long and storied history. Thus, many of the properties still in use have complicated histories attached to them. In some cases, that can include some paranormal activities.
So, if you plan on selling your allegedly “haunted house,” from a legal standpoint, must you disclose that to prospective buyers?
No disclosure is needed (usually)
In Connecticut, the seller of the property with paranormal activity has no obligation to disclose this to those wanting to buy their property. However, if a buyer asks outright whether a death occurred in the home, you must answer truthfully.
What may be assumed
If you own a historic Hartford property that was built centuries ago, it is safe to assume that at some point, a resident died there. So, the sellers’ questions can be assumed to mean recent deaths, homicides or suicides. Failure to disclose the information when directly asked can affect the legality of the sale down the road.
Other circumstances to consider
If your home has been the site of reported paranormal activity, that is not necessarily the real estate kiss of death. In fact, there is a thriving cottage industry in the United States for tourists who actively seek out bed and breakfast properties with reputations for being haunted. They may want to experience the alleged paranormal activities in order to debunk them or to prove that supernatural occurrences are real.
To disclose or not? It’s up to the seller
Depending on what demographic group the seller is targeting with the sale of the property, disclosing the possible paranormal activity may be detrimental or encouraging. However, keep in mind that you are under no obligation to do so here in Connecticut.