How To Find Out If Someone Died in Your House

Our homes have lives of their own. They’ve sheltered families, witnessed milestones, and held countless untold stories. It’s only natural to wonder: If these walls could talk, what would they say? Some might reveal nothing more than ordinary daily life—but others may hold more mysterious pasts.

A recent Slate column captured the dilemma: A couple preparing to sell their house wondered whether they needed to disclose that an elderly parent had died peacefully in the home. Their concern wasn’t about property defects—it was about how buyers might react to the knowledge that someone had died under their roof.

While most states don’t require sellers to disclose natural deaths, some buyers feel uneasy about purchasing a home with that kind of history. Violent deaths or highly publicized events, meanwhile, can trigger disclosure requirements and even affect property value.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Has someone died in my house?” there are ways to find out. From public records to newspaper archives, neighbors, and even paid services, you can piece together the story of your property’s past. Here’s how to start your search.

Check public records for deaths at your address

"If you're trying to find out if someone passed away in your home, the first place to start is public records,” says YK Kuliev, founder of Fast Home Buyer California.

Most municipalities have a vital records office, which records births and deaths in the area. Since these records are kept by local governments, though, the process to search them will vary from place to place. Your local office should be able to advise you on the best process to initiate your search.

Keep in mind, though, the public record isn’t perfect.

“What you need to be aware of is that records aren’t always complete," says Riley Beam, managing attorney of Douglas R. Beam, P.A. "Some death records might only be maintained for a limited time, and gaps can occur due to privacy restrictions or historical record-keeping practices.”

For example, the Social Security Death Index—a comprehensive repository of every death reported to the Social Security Administration—was only maintained between 1962 and 2014. 

“The absence of a record doesn’t necessarily mean nothing happened; it could simply be a limitation of the data available,” Beam says.

That’s why it's best to consult multiple sources.

Ask your neighbors about deaths in your neighborhood

Neighbors are the oral historians of your neighborhood and can likely provide you with a lot of information–even your home's untold history.

Start with the neighbors who have been in your neighborhood a while. If you have a homeowners association, try asking a board member. Or use a property record search to find out who has been there the longest.

Search newspaper archives and online reports

Many libraries maintain public newspaper archives that are free to search and, in some cases, are accessible online. These archives can be a valuable resource for uncovering reports of deaths that may not be available elsewhere.

When searching, focus on obituaries, death notices, and crime reports, particularly in newspapers covering your area.

If you're unsure where to start, ask your local librarian for assistance. They can guide you to the right resources, help with search techniques, and even suggest additional historical records or databases that may be useful.

Ask your real estate agent about your home's history

Your real estate agent can be a valuable resource when researching a property's history. While not all agents will have this information readily available, experienced local agents may have insights from previous sales, public records, or community knowledge.

However, keep in mind that disclosure laws vary by state. In some areas, agents are legally required to disclose deaths that occurred on the property; but in other places, they may only need to share this information if directly asked.

Check your seller disclosure for past deaths

“Things get trickier with disclosure,” Beam says. 

Some states, like California, require sellers to disclose if the property is stigmatized—that is, if the home has been impacted by murder, suicide, alleged hauntings, or a notorious previous owner.

This may be included on the seller’s disclosure, a document that a home seller provides to a potential buyer informing them of any known defects or issues with the property that could impact its value or safety.

However, a majority of states consider deaths—whether from natural causes or otherwise—immaterial to the safety or value of a home and don’t require sellers to disclose this information.

Which states require death disclosure in home sales?

• Alaska: Sellers must disclose any deaths that have occurred on the property.
• California: Any deaths on the property within the past three years, including those of natural causes, must be disclosed.
• Delaware: If requested in writing, the seller and agent are required to provide information about deaths on the property.
• Georgia: If a buyer inquires, the homeowner must disclose any known deaths.
• Kentucky: If asked, the seller and agent must truthfully disclose any known deaths on the property.
• South Dakota: Sellers must disclose any homicides, suicides, or felonies that took place within the past 12 months.

Use a paid service

If all that sounds like a hassle, all you have to do is pay $14.99 to have someone do the work for you. 

DiedInHouse.com offers an online service to uncover the history of stigmatized properties, including those with a history of death, crime, fire, or other unusual events.

But remember, property records are an incomplete patchwork of your home's history. There may be no way to know with certainty whether someone passed away on your property, but triangulating with multiple sources is the best way to find out.

How does a death affect property value?

A death in a home, especially if it was violent or widely publicized, can lower property value due to buyer hesitation. The exact impact on home value can be hard to quantify, and it can vary based on location, cultural factors, and time. 

Over the years, the effect often diminishes, especially if the property is renovated or in a high-demand area. For example, the infamous Los Angeles home where Charles Manson and his followers murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca still sold for $1.9 million in 2021.

However, for most properties, a past death has little to no lasting effect on market value. Over time, a home’s history becomes less relevant, especially if it has undergone significant home renovations or passed through multiple owners.