Haunted House? The Surprising Rule Around ‘Haunted’ MN Homes

If the doors in your home open or close on their own, you might live in a haunted home. If you hear footsteps in the attic, and everyone is downstairs, you might live in a haunted house. If you see mysterious words written on your fogged bathroom mirror you might have kids, or live in a haunted house. Believe it or not, in Minnesota, you don't have to disclose that to the person buying your home when you sell!

Edina Realty wrote about this topic not too long ago, and they really did a great job breaking down what you have to share when selling a home and what you don't and if you have ghosts and ghouls you don't have to share.

Per Minnesota’s disclosure laws, sellers must state if there are any “material facts” that could affect the buyers’ use or enjoyment of the property. One exception to this law is that home sellers do not have to disclose “perceived paranormal activity” to any homebuyers. This law was put into effect after a homeowner in New York sued when they found out they were about to buy a “haunted” house. The short answer, then, is that if you want to sell your house, you do not have to disclose to potential buyers that you believe your house is haunted. 

Wow.

Things that you DO have to disclose when you sell a home in Minnesota?

• structural issues
• past water damage
• mechanical system failures
• environmental concerns like asbestos or mold
• any known issues with the property's surrounding land

I think I'd like paranormal activity included in the mandatory disclosures.

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Would you knowingly buy a haunted home?