Do I need to tell people about the creepy thing that happened next door?
Something creepy happened in the condo next to mine. I don't want to get into the details here, but it was enough to make me want to move. Do I need to tell the agent about this? Or do I need to tell the people moving in about it, or is that not my problem?
Asked by Tonya | New York, NY| 03-23-2026| 38 views|Selling|Updated 1 month ago
No, you generally do NOT have to disclose a “creepy” or non-physical event in New York.
⚠️ Important nuance
If a buyer directly asks you about something specific, you can’t lie.
You don’t have to volunteer the information—but you also shouldn’t misrepresent facts.
More details would be necessary as "creepy" could be anything from weird noises to someone passing away. There are different disclosure laws in different states.
Florida disclosure law focuses on material defects to the property itself, not on events that occurred on neighboring properties. In most cases, you are not legally required to disclose what happened next door, but there are nuances worth understanding before you decide.
Under Florida law (Johnson v. Davis), sellers must disclose any facts known to them that materially affect the value of the property and that are not readily observable by the buyer. Courts have generally interpreted this to apply to the subject property, not neighboring parcels. However, if the event next door has an ongoing, observable effect on the value or desirability of your property (an active police investigation that brings regular traffic, a situation that generates local media attention and is easily searchable), a buyer could argue they were deceived by omission if you knew and said nothing.
In Hernando County, the practical approach most experienced listing agents take is: do not volunteer information about neighboring events that are not legally required disclosures, but do not lie if a buyer asks a direct question. If a buyer asks "has anything happened in this neighborhood that you are aware of that might affect the property," a truthful answer is required. Your agent can help you draft a written response that is accurate without being overly expansive. When in doubt, consult a Florida real estate attorney before listing. A $200 consultation is cheap compared to a post-closing dispute.
Getting clarity from a real estate attorney before listing protects you from both over-disclosure and under-disclosure.
Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners
In most states, you are not legally required to disclose "stigmatized" events (like a crime or death) that happened on a neighboring property. However, if the event created a permanent nuisance—like ongoing police presence or structural damage to your shared wall—it could be considered a "material fact." Your best move is to tell your agent the truth; they can help you determine if your local 2026 laws require a formal disclosure or if it's strictly a "buyer beware" situation.
Tonya, the key distinction here is whether the "creepy thing" happened in your unit or next door. Based on what you described, it happened in a neighboring condo, not yours. That changes things significantly.
As a seller, your disclosure obligations generally cover your own property -- its condition, known defects, and material facts that affect your unit's value. Something that happened in a neighbor's unit is typically not something you're legally required to disclose, because it didn't happen on the property you're selling.
That said, disclosure laws vary by state, so the rules depend on where you're located. In Florida, for example, sellers must disclose known material facts about their property, but events in a neighboring unit usually don't fall under that umbrella. Some states have specific rules around "stigmatized properties" -- things like deaths, crimes, or alleged hauntings -- but those rules almost always apply to events that occurred on the property being sold, not next door.
Here's what I'd recommend. First, tell your listing agent everything. They need the full picture to advise you properly and to handle any buyer questions that come up. Your agent can help you figure out what needs to be disclosed and what doesn't based on your state's laws. Second, if a buyer asks you a direct question about the neighborhood or neighboring units, don't lie. You're not required to volunteer information, but you can't misrepresent something if asked directly. Third, if you're genuinely unsure about your obligations, have a quick conversation with a real estate attorney in your area. It's cheap insurance for peace of mind.
Bottom line -- you're selling your condo, not your neighbor's. Focus your disclosures on your own property.
I get why you’re asking… this is one of those gray areas.
In most cases, you don’t have to disclose something that happened next door. Disclosure is usually about your property itself… not a neighbor or past events.
That said, think about this. If it’s something a buyer would clearly notice or find out quickly, it can come back to you in a different way. Not always legally, but in how the deal goes.
I’d at least tell your agent privately. Let them guide you based on your state and the situation. That’s what they’re there for.
You don’t need to volunteer every detail to buyers, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re hiding something that could blow up later.
Tell your listing agent privately what happened. Why?
Because:
They know your state’s disclosure laws.
They can determine if it rises to “material fact.”
It protects you legally.
It ensures you’re not unintentionally exposed later.
Never surprise your own agent. That’s when sellers get into trouble.
That’s a really important question. In California, sellers are required to disclose any material facts that could affect a buyer’s decision or the value of the property. While laws can vary by state, New York has similar disclosure expectations.
If the situation could impact a buyer’s perception of the property, its desirability, or value, it’s something you should discuss with your agent. It’s always better to be upfront—holding back information could lead to issues later, even after the sale closes.
Your best move is to have an open conversation with your agent so they can guide you on what should be disclosed based on local laws and the specifics of your situation.
This is a hard question to answer without details. However, any issues affecting the property do need to be disclosed. If it creates a safety, structural concern for the buyer I would definitely discuss it with your realtor.
That is such a difficult position to be in, and it is a question that comes up more often than you might think. When something unsettling happens right next door, it can definitely color how you feel about your own space, but from a real estate perspective, the rules are usually quite specific.
In most cases, disclosure laws focus on what is happening within the four walls of the property you are actually selling. While you are legally required to mention material defects like a leaky roof or mold, events that happen at a neighbor's property—often referred to as a property stigma—generally do not fall under mandatory disclosure. Unless the situation next door represents an ongoing, tangible safety threat or a physical nuisance that affects your property directly, you typically are not obligated to tell potential buyers about it.
I always suggest having a private, honest conversation with your listing agent. They are experts in your local disclosure laws and can help you decide if this is something that needs to be officially documented or if it is simply a personal reason for your move. By telling your agent, you are protecting yourself legally while letting them handle the delicate task of deciding what needs to be shared with a buyer. At the end of the day, everyone has a different level of what they find creepy, and what might be a dealbreaker for you could be a non-issue for someone else. Keeping the focus on the legal requirements of your own home is usually the best way to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.
If your goal is to move you are not liable to disclose what happened outside of your unit. As long as it’s not a material defect to your unit, list your condo and sell. Best of luck!