Do You Need to Disclose a Previous Death on the Property?
Updated 12 days ago (March 6, 2026)
It depends on State laws. In some states, reporting or disclosing a previous death in a rental unit is a requirement for landlords. In California, for example, the law requires landlords to disclose, within three years, any deaths that have occurred in the rental unit. However, when the potential tenants ask that if any deaths occurred more than three years ago, landlords also need to disclose any deaths.
Please note that you must not provide any private information about the former tenant who died in the rental unit.
Legal Disclaimer: Tellus provides this content for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and regulations may have changed since this article was published. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
State-by-State Guide
Laws on this topic vary significantly by state. Select a state below to read about its specific laws and statutes.