California Natural Hazard Seller Disclosure Guide

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Based on California Civil Code sections 1102.1, 1102.3 and 1103 as published by the California Legislature; sources are listed at the end.

When you sell a California home, state law requires disclosure of whether the property sits in any of six natural hazard zones, and the seller or the seller’s agent is responsible for making that disclosure to a prospective buyer. The rules are in Civil Code section 1103, and a buyer who receives a disclosure after making an offer has a short window to cancel under section 1102.3.

This guide explains the zones, who delivers the disclosure and what happens if it arrives late.

The six natural hazard zones California sellers disclose

Who has to make the disclosure?

Section 1103 puts the duty on the seller’s agent, or on the seller when there is no agent. Disclosure applies when the seller or agent has actual knowledge that the property is in a zone, or when the local jurisdiction has compiled a parcel list or provided a map posted at the county recorder, assessor and planning offices. Any waiver of these requirements is void as against public policy (1103(d)).

Many sellers use a third-party natural hazard report that checks the parcel against the maps, but the legal duty stays with the seller and agent.

What if the disclosure arrives after the buyer makes an offer?

Under Civil Code 1102.3, if a disclosure or a material amendment is delivered after an offer to purchase is signed, the buyer has the right to cancel the offer. The time to cancel is:

• Three days after the disclosure is delivered in person.
• Five days after it is deposited in the mail.
• Five days after delivery of an electronic record, when both parties have agreed to electronic transactions.

The buyer cancels by delivering a written notice of termination to the seller or the seller’s agent. Delivering the disclosures early, before the offer, avoids giving the buyer this right.

Does selling as-is remove the disclosure duty?

No. Section 1102.1 says the delivery of the transfer disclosure statement cannot be waived in an as-is sale, and the seller’s existing duty to disclose material facts that affect a property’s value or desirability stays in place. Section 1103(d) separately makes any waiver of the natural hazard disclosure void. See our guide to selling as-is in California.

How to sell a house in California when it is in a hazard zone

1. Find out which zones apply. Order a natural hazard report or ask your agent or escrow officer to check the parcel against the maps.
2. Deliver the disclosures early. Give the transfer disclosure statement and hazard disclosure before the buyer signs an offer when you can.
3. Keep proof of delivery. The cancel window runs from delivery, so the method and date matter.
4. Expect insurance questions. Buyers who need a loan usually need homeowners insurance first, which can slow traditional sales in fire and flood areas.
5. Consider a direct cash sale. A cash buyer buys as-is without a lender, and closing can move on your timeline.

See where we buy houses across California.

Selling a home in a hazard zone? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Natural hazard disclosure FAQ

Which natural hazard zones must a California seller disclose?

Special flood hazard areas, dam inundation areas, very high fire hazard severity zones, earthquake fault zones, seismic hazard zones and wildland state responsibility areas.

Who is responsible for the disclosure?

The seller’s agent, or the seller when there is no agent.

How long does the buyer have to cancel after a late disclosure?

Three days after in-person delivery, five days after mailing, or five days after electronic delivery when both parties agreed to electronic transactions.

Can a seller waive the natural hazard disclosure?

No. Section 1103(d) says any waiver of these requirements is void as against public policy.

Does an as-is sale change the disclosure duty?

No. Under section 1102.1, delivery of the transfer disclosure statement cannot be waived in an as-is sale.

Sources

• California Legislature: Civil Code section 1103
• California Legislature: Civil Code section 1102.3
• California Legislature: Civil Code section 1102.1

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your disclosure duties with a California real estate attorney or your agent.