Haunted Houses and Hidden Truths: What Ohio Law Says About Real Estate Disclosures
October always brings out the ghost stories. And while no one’s calling our office to ask if they need to disclose a haunted house, it’s a fun seasonal question that opens the door to something we do hear often: “What exactly do I have to tell a buyer about my property?”
At N.P. Weiss Law, we represent both buyers and sellers in real estate disputes, and one of the most common issues we see is fraudulent non-disclosure; when a seller fails to reveal a known defect that affects the value or safety of the home. So, let’s use the haunted house hypothetical to explore what Ohio law actually requires, what counts as a material defect, and how to protect yourself from a real estate deal that goes sideways.
Haunted Houses: Fun to Talk About, Not a Legal Requirement
Ohio law doesn’t require sellers to disclose ghost stories, paranormal claims, or a home’s reputation for being haunted. The law focuses on material defects; things like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or electrical issues that could impact the property’s value or pose a safety risk.
Unless a buyer specifically asks about deaths, crimes, or rumors, sellers aren’t obligated to bring them up. Ohio follows the principle of caveat emptor, or “buyer beware,” which means buyers are responsible for asking questions and doing their own inspections.
The most famous haunted house case, Stambovsky v. Ackley, came out of New York. In that case, the seller had publicly promoted the home as haunted, and the court ruled that the reputation had to be disclosed. But that ruling doesn’t apply in Ohio, and our courts don’t weigh in on the supernatural.
For a full breakdown of what sellers are required to disclose, the Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form is a good place to start.
What Sellers Do Have to Disclose
Here’s where things get serious. If you’re selling a home in Ohio, you’re required to disclose known, latent defects—issues that aren’t obvious and could affect the buyer’s decision. If you knowingly hide a major problem, like a structural issue or a costly sewer assessment, you could be held liable for fraudulent non-disclosure.
If you're selling a home:
Be honest about known defects.
If a buyer asks about stigmas (like deaths or hauntings), answer truthfully.
Keep records of what you disclose.
If you're buying a home:
Ask direct questions about anything that concerns you.
Review the disclosure form carefully.
Hire a qualified inspector; your best defense against surprises.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re dealing with a situation where something important wasn’t disclosed, or you’re unsure what you’re legally required to share as a seller, these articles go deeper:
My House Seller Lied. Can I Sue for Fraudulent Misrepresentation?
Accused of Real Estate Fraud? What Home Sellers in Northeast Ohio Need to Know
Conclusion
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the real scares in real estate come from hidden defects and legal disputes. If you're buying or selling a home in Northeast Ohio, understanding your disclosure duties can help you avoid costly surprises and protect your investment.
And while we can't help if your house is haunted, we can help with disclosure disputes. Take the next step:
Contact our office to see how we can assist with your real estate concerns.
Schedule a paid consultation with Attorney Nicholas Weiss to discuss your specific situation.
Visit our Real Estate Law page to learn how we help property owners across Northeast Ohio.
Taking proactive steps now can help ensure your next real estate transaction is free from unwanted surprises.
About the Author
Nicholas Weiss is the founder and supervising Attorney of N.P. Weiss Law, serving clients across Northeast Ohio in real estate, family law, and estate planning. He is committed to helping property owners, businesses, and families navigate legal challenges with clarity and confidence. Learn more about Nicholas Weiss.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please consult with a licensed Ohio attorney.
