Pennsylvania House Bill HB1704

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/8/25
• Refer: 7/8/25
• Refer: 7/14/25
• Report Pass: 9/10/25
• Refer: 9/30/25
• Report Pass: 10/1/25
• Engrossed: 10/1/25
• Refer: 10/3/25

Caption

In general provisions relating to residential real property, further providing for definitions; in seller disclosures, further providing for disclosure form and providing for website information and for flood disclosure; and imposing duties on the Insurance Department.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1704 obligates sellers to provide detailed disclosures regarding any known flood damage to the property, as well as information regarding the property's location in relation to flood hazard areas as defined by federal regulations. Moreover, it requires the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to maintain a publicly accessible website that provides information related to flood risk factors and mitigation options. This change not only aims to protect consumers by ensuring they are aware of potential liabilities but also seeks to create a more informed real estate market that values transparency in property sales.

Summary

House Bill 1704 is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the real estate market in Pennsylvania, specifically concerning residential properties and flood risks. The bill amends Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by redefining crucial terms related to flood damage and requiring sellers to disclose flood-related risk factors. Through this mandate, buyers will be better informed about potential flood risks associated with properties they are considering purchasing, which is particularly significant in light of increasing flood events attributed to climate change.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 1704 has faced scrutiny regarding the burden it places on sellers, particularly in terms of the semantics involved in assessing and disclosing flood-related risks. Some stakeholders argue that the bill could disproportionately affect sellers of properties located in flood-prone areas, making it more challenging for them to sell their homes while potentially raising liability concerns. Others are concerned about the practical implications of accurately defining 'material defects' and whether the proposed flood disclosures might lead to excessive litigation in real estate transactions.