In Nova Scotia, how should environmental hazard disclosures be approached, and what documents or professionals should be consulted?

• A. Disclosures should be based on rumors and assumptions.
• B. Licensees can rely only on their own observations.
• C. Disclosures should be based on known hazards; rely on PCDS and professional assessments.
• D. Disclosures are optional.

Answer: (C)

In Nova Scotia, environmental hazard disclosures should be grounded in what is known about the property and supported by official documentation and expert input. If you know of environmental hazards, you disclose them clearly. The standard document used for this is the Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS), which captures seller-reported conditions and known hazards and is the primary vehicle for turning what the seller knows into a formal disclosure for buyers. When hazards are present or uncertain, it’s appropriate to bring in a qualified professional—such as an environmental consultant, radon tester, mold specialist, or other relevant expert—to provide an objective assessment. This combination of documented seller disclosures via the PCDS and professional assessments gives buyers reliable information and helps ensure accurate, compliant disclosure. Disclosures based on rumors or assumptions, relying solely on a licensee’s own observations, or making disclosures optional would not meet the standard practice and obligations in Nova Scotia.