Ohio's Homebuyer Protection Act

A New Disclosure Requirement for Ohio Home Sellers
As of April 2026, Ohio home sellers are required to sign a new form before their property can be marketed or shown to buyers. Known as the Fair Housing Disclosure, this requirement was created under House Bill 315, Ohio's Homebuyer Protection Act, and is designed to reinforce awareness of fair housing laws throughout the real estate transaction process.

What the Fair Housing Disclosure Form Requires
Under the new law, real estate licensees must present sellers with a Fair Housing Disclosure form before marketing or showing a residential property. The form acknowledges that the seller understands discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, ancestry, military status, disability, or national origin is illegal under both Ohio and federal law.

• The form must be presented and signed prior to marketing or showing the property

• It reinforces awareness of protected classes under fair housing law

• Real estate licensees are responsible for providing the disclosure to sellers

• The requirement applies broadly to residential property sales in Ohio

Why This Law Was Introduced
Despite fair housing protections being illegal under federal and state law for decades, discriminatory practices such as redlining and restrictive covenants have left lasting effects in many Ohio communities.

Lawmakers introduced the Homebuyer Protection Act to ensure sellers are explicitly reminded of these obligations at the outset of a transaction, rather than assuming awareness alone is sufficient.

What Happens if the Disclosure Is Skipped?
Failing to comply with the Fair Housing Disclosure requirement can carry real consequences. Violations of fair housing law in Ohio can result in significant fines, and the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing is responsible for enforcement.

• A first violation can result in a fine of up to $10,000

• A second violation within five years can result in a fine of $25,000

• A third violation within seven years can result in a fine of $50,000

What This Means for Your Closing
For most sellers, the Fair Housing Disclosure form is a routine part of listing paperwork handled by their real estate agent, and it does not add significant time or complexity to the closing process itself.

However, it's a good reminder that Ohio real estate transactions involve a growing web of disclosure requirements, and having an experienced title company and agent on your side helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Ask your real estate agent whether the disclosure has been completed before listing

• Keep a copy of all disclosure forms with your closing documents

• Work with a title company familiar with current Ohio compliance requirements

Partnering With a Knowledgeable Title Team
Real estate laws and disclosure requirements continue to evolve in Ohio, and staying compliant protects both buyers and sellers throughout the transaction. Our team stays current on these changes so your closing goes smoothly from contract to keys.

How This Fits Into Ohio's Broader Fair Housing Framework
The Fair Housing Disclosure requirement doesn't replace Ohio's existing fair housing protections, it reinforces them at a critical moment in the transaction. Ohio and federal fair housing laws have prohibited discrimination in housing sales for decades, but lingering effects of past discriminatory practices, such as historic redlining in some Ohio communities, are part of why lawmakers felt an additional, proactive disclosure step was worthwhile.