An uncomfortable topic... disclosure of a death in a property.

[Daniel Miller]

I've mentioned before that this house that I'm trying to rent out, was occupied by my parents for 40 years. One thing I didn't mention, is that my mother committed suicide (by gunshot) there in 2009...

When my father's dementia started getting more serious, early this year, I hired an elderly-care manager to handle a variety of tasks like getting him to doctors (he wouldn't go with me), and eventually transition him into assisted living, where he is now.

I was initially thinking of selling the house to pay for his care, so I discussed it with her. One thing that she mentioned at the time was that I probably should disclose this event to prospective buyers. She is Chinese, and she told me that many Chinese people might be uncomfortable living in a house where someone had died violently.

So, *should* I be disclosing this to prospective renters? If so, when, at viewing time, or at lease signing?? Obviously, I would prefer not to mention it at all, but am unsure what legal and/or moral constraints I might be operating under...

[Theresa K.]

You are required to disclose any death to prospective renters or buyers for three years after the death occurs, regardless of the cause except if the former tenant died of AIDS or any HIV-related illness.

CA Civil Code section 1710.2
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=75350327446+9+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve