Colorado Seller Disclosure Requirements, Explained
Selling a house that needs work doesn’t mean you can skip disclosure. Here’s what Colorado law actually requires you to tell a buyer.
The Short Version
Colorado requires sellers to disclose their “current actual knowledge” of the property’s condition — meaning what you actually know, not what a professional inspection would find. That said, the list of things you’re expected to know and disclose is broader than most people assume, and selling “as-is” doesn’t remove this obligation. It just means you’re not agreeing to fix anything — you still have to say what you know.
What actually has to be disclosed
- Structural and systems issues – Known problems with the foundation, roof, walls, ceilings, or floors — even if they’ve already been repaired. The same goes for major systems: heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, and built-in appliances.
- A few specific, often-overlooked items Colorado law calls out by name –
- Whether the property was ever used as a methamphetamine lab
- The source of the property’s water (well, municipal, etc.)
- Known environmental hazards — radon, asbestos, contamination
- Mining operations or mineral rights issues affecting the property
- HOA or special taxing district membership, and any special assessments approved but not yet implemented
- Pending litigation or disputes involving the property
- Any insurance claims previously submitted on the property
- Federal requirement: lead-based paint – If the home was built before 1978, federal law requires disclosing any known lead-based paint or paint hazards, along with providing an EPA-approved information pamphlet to the buyer.
"As-is" doesn't mean "no disclosure"
This is the part that trips people up most often. Selling as-is means the buyer is accepting the property in its current condition — you’re not on the hook to make repairs. It does not mean you can leave the disclosure form blank or skip known issues. If you know about a problem and don’t disclose it, you can still be held liable after closing, as-is sale or not.
A note on this information
This is general information about Colorado’s disclosure requirements — not legal advice for your specific property. What you’re required to disclose depends on what you actually know, and getting it wrong can create real legal exposure. A real estate attorney or your listing agent can help make sure your disclosure is complete and accurate.
Selling a property that needs work?
Whether you’re listing as-is or exploring other options, we’ll help you understand what you actually need to disclose.
See also: House Needs Work — how Chinook Home can help.