Flood Disclosure Requirements Sweep Across More U.S. States

Buying or renting a new home is a big deal, and let's be honest, you should be in the loop about whether your dream property might turn into a soggy nightmare due to flood risks. In many states, the laws have been, well, a bit murky. They often leave prospective buyers and renters uninformed about the flood vulnerabilities of their potential new homes. Good news, though—times are changing!

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) just updated its state-by-state scorecard on flood disclosure laws. Since their last peek in 2020, five trailblazing states have upped their game. We're talking New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Hawaii. These states have either rolled out new laws or are making serious strides in making sure you know what you're getting into flood-wise. Both New York and New Jersey are also extending these disclosure rights to renters—because renters should be in the know too!

Curious about the nitty-gritty? We've got an interactive map to keep you posted on what's happening around the country in terms of flood-related disclosure laws. We break down the grades for each state, showing their improvements since 2020.

The New Jersey Turnaround: From Zero to Hero (2023 Grade: A, 2020 Grade: F)

Once saddled with a failing "F" grade on NRDC's flood disclosure scoreboard, New Jersey has shot up to an "A." How did this happen? Organizations like New Jersey Future, Waterfront Alliance, and NRDC teamed up to give the state's rather uninspiring flood disclosure laws a complete makeover. Fast forward to Spring 2023, and the New Jersey legislature voted unanimously in the Senate to give you the right to know your flood risks before signing any contracts. Governor Phil Murphy put his stamp of approval on it, signing the legislation into law on July 3rd.

Here's What New Jersey Now Requires to be Disclosed:

• Flood Zones: Is the property in a 100-year or 500-year FEMA flood zone?
• Past Flooding Events: Ever had water damage, seepage, or pooling due to natural events like heavy rain or coastal storms? If so, how many times?
• Insurance Requirements: Does the law require you to maintain flood insurance for this property? Plus, you'll get pointers to up-to-date flood projection maps and data (This is just for home buyers, not renters).
• Federal Aid: Ever get some financial flood relief from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, or any other federal flood assistance program? (Again, just for home buyers).
• Elevation Certificate: Is there a FEMA elevation certificate available? (Home buyers, take note).
• Insurance Claims: Has a claim for flood damage been filed with any insurance providers, including the National Flood Insurance Program? (Yet another one for home buyers).
• Wetland Status: Is the property situated in a designated wetland?
• Sea-Level Rise: Coastal buyers, heads up! You'll also get warned about the potential impacts of sea level rise.

It's a fresh era for flood disclosure, and New Jersey's setting the gold standard. The more you know, the better you can prepare, right?