New York is latest state to require flood disclosures in home sales as storms worsen
The law closes a loophole in state law allowing home sellers to pay a $500 fee to avoid disclosing their home’s flood risk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week signed a bill requiring people selling their homes to disclose whether their properties have been flooded or are at risk for future flooding.
The new law comes as inland areas in the state have become more vulnerable to flooding, with climate change spurring on rising sea levels and more intense storms like the one impacting the city on Friday
The signing will make New York at least the 30th state in the country to require flood disclosures during home sales. New York has a similar law in place for rental properties.
The law closes a loophole in state law that has allowed home sellers to pay a $500 fee to avoid disclosing their home's flood risk.
The law also requires sellers to disclose additional information about flooding in their properties, such as whether the property is in a flood hazard area and if any flood insurance claims have been filed.
NYC flooding: Shelter in place and state of emergency declared in New York over flash flood warning – live- New York declares state of emergency as flash flooding leaves parts of city underwater
New York City flooding blamed on climate change: ‘Plan your escape route’
How climate change could threaten future democracies
A National Climate Assessment report has found that the Northeast region is seeing the greatest increase in extreme rainfall in the country as well as a sea-level rise that is three times greater than the global average.
“As we work to fight climate change, we also have to take measures in response to the harm it is causing," said bill sponsor Assemblymember Robert Carroll.
He added that the law will "help New Yorkers by ensuring that they have the information they need to best protect their homes against flooding at the time of making a home purchase.”