Short answer
The state's disclosure form has a flood risk section. It asks if the property is in the FEMA 100-year or 500-year floodplain, whether flood insurance is required or held, whether federal flood assistance was received, whether you have a FEMA elevation certificate, and whether flood damage or claims occurred. An elevation certificate must be shared with the buyer.
The flood section of the form
The December 2023 version of the New Jersey Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement includes a section titled Flood Risk. It asks whether any part of the property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, the 100-year floodplain, or in a Moderate Risk Flood Hazard Area, the 500-year floodplain, on FEMA's current flood insurance rate maps. It asks whether federal law requires flood insurance on the property and whether there is flood insurance now.
Assistance, claims and damage
The form asks whether you, or any previous owner you know of, received help from FEMA, the Small Business Administration or other federal disaster flood assistance for flood damage. It notes that for properties that received federal disaster assistance, the requirement to obtain flood insurance passes to all future owners. It asks if you ever filed a flood damage claim, with the amount received if approved, and whether the property has had flood damage, water seepage or pooled water from a natural flood event, and how many times.
The elevation certificate
The form asks whether a FEMA elevation certificate is available for the property. If so, it says the certificate must be shared with the buyer. It explains the certificate is a FEMA form completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer, is used by flood insurance providers to rate a policy, and can be reused by a later owner. Look through your closing file or ask your insurer, because a prior owner may have one.
Older questions still apply
Earlier in the form, the land section asks whether the property is in a flood hazard zone and whether you know of drainage or flood problems. The basement section asks about water leakage, dampness, mold and repairs. Answers in these sections should agree with each other. The form points sellers and buyers to flooddisclosure.nj.gov for flood risk information and to nj.gov/njoem/plan-prepare/floods for flood emergencies.
Selling a flood-prone house
Flood history can make buyers cautious and can slow a retail sale. Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Disclose the history to every buyer. Listing with an agent may still work if the damage is repaired and documented.