Natural Hazard Disclosures in California: What the Report Covers
Figures and rules in this post are as of November 6, 2026, from the sources linked below. Check the source for any later update.
Under California Civil Code section 1103, sellers of most residential property must give buyers a Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) statement. It reports whether the property is inside certain official map zones. Sellers typically order the report from a third-party NHD provider.
Zones the statement covers
- Special flood hazard areas designated by FEMA (FEMA Flood Map Service Center).
- Areas of potential flooding from dam failure.
- Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and State Responsibility Areas (CAL FIRE / State Fire Marshal maps).
- Earthquake fault zones and seismic hazard zones (California Geological Survey).
What it doesn’t tell you
The NHD reports where a property sits on official maps. It is not an inspection of the property. Buyers can still order physical inspections, such as a home, roof, sewer line, or geological inspection, during their investigation period.
Related disclosures
California also requires a Transfer Disclosure Statement (Civil Code section 1102), where the seller describes known conditions, and other disclosures depending on the property. Your agent and escrow officer track which ones apply.
Sources
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Office of the State Fire Marshal: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- California Geological Survey: EQ Zapp
Questions about a home in Los Angeles or the Valley?
Lianna Danielyan, REALTOR® · Equity Union · CA DRE #02142653 · 13400 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 · (818) 669-6245
Listing information is provided through Equity Union’s IDX/BoldTrail service, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. Information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.