Natural Hazards Disclosure

    The Natural Hazards Disclosure Act of California

    Effective June 1, 1998 (as amended June 9, 1998), requires that Seller(s) of real property and their Agent(s) provide any prospective Buyer(s) with a "Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement " when the property being sold lies within one or more state-mapped hazard areas, including the following seven specific areas:

    • Flood Zones:
      • FEMA Flood Zone (100 year Flood)
      • Potential Dam Inundation
    • Fire Zones:
      • Very High Fire Severity Zone
      • Wildland Fire Area
    • Earthquake Fault Zone:
      • Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone
      • Seismic Hazard Zones (Seismic Hazard Mapping Act)
        • :
      • Liquefaction
      • Landslide
    The state of California has a standardized reporting format for the Seller(s) and their Agent(s) to comply with the law, as it is their responsibility to disclose. The Seller(s) along with their Agent(s) are allowed to seek out a 'third party' (disclosure company, licensed engineer, land surveyor, geologist, or expert in natural hazard discovery) to prepare this report for them. All parties involved are to sign one copy of the Natural Hazard Disclosure Report prior to the close of escrow.

    It is illegal for Agent(s) to require the Seller(s) to use a particular disclosure company or to give the impression that the Seller(s) may not choose. If the report from a disclosure company is selected and that company is related or affiliated with the Agent(s)/ Broker(s), disclosure of this relationship must be made to the Seller(s). Once the disclosure is made the Seller(s) may continue with that report or choose a report from another disclosure company. California law protects the Seller(s) right to freely choose, for the sake of quality, service and cost.

    Real estate Agent(s)/ Broker(s) are forbidden to receive monetary compensation (referral fees, 'kick-backs') or excessive gifts from vendors or affiliates, including but not limited to disclosure companies.

    List of Natural Hazard Disclosure Companies in California

    The below list is presented in alphabetical order for your convenience.
    • Chicago Title/Real Estate Services, 245 South Los Robles Ave., Suite 105, Pasadena, CA 91101 (800) 880-9123, FAX (800) 278-8673.
    • Hirst Disclosures, Hirst Disclosures, P.O. Box 1971, Stockton, CA 95201 Phone: (888) 596-9969, Fax: (888) 279-9199
    • JCP Geologists, 321 Warren Ave., Fremont, CA 94539 (800) 748-5233, FAX (800)329-9527.
    • LGS Reports, Inc.,27200 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, (800) 814-5599 Fax:(800) 547-6566
    • Nationwide Compliance Service, 100 Stony Point Road, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, (800) 528-7803, FAX (707) 528-1420.
    • Natural Hazards Disclosure, Inc., 2899 Agoura Road, #221, Westlake Village, CA 91362, (800) 317-7919, FAX (888) 999-6439.
    • Property I.D., 345 S. Figueroa Street, Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, (800) 626-0106, FAX (800) 626-3863.
    • Zone Disclosures, Inc.,803 Calle De Arboles, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (800) 823-3587 FAX: (800) 871-6675.
    You should satisfy yourself that the company you select has adequate Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage and relevant expertise. Limits and liability, indemnification's etc. of E&O insurance and bonds, if any, can vary from company to company. It is important to inquire about the particular coverage of that companies Errors and Omission insurance. Wright Realtors makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to the professionalism, competence or expertise of the above companies. Wright Realtors expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of the use, performance of, reference to, or reliance on these companies. Should you have any questions regarding a company's reports, prices, expertise, reliability or services, please contact the company directly.

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