California Real Estate Broker ExaminationPractice of Real Estate and Mandated DisclosuresMedium

A real estate agent is showing a property near a former military base. The seller has provided a disclosure stating that the property is located within one mile of a former federal or state ordnance location. What is the primary purpose of this Megan's Law disclosure requirement?

  1. ATo disclose the property's proximity to a registered sex offender database.
  2. BTo advise buyers about potential noise pollution from ongoing military operations.
  3. CTo alert buyers to the potential presence of unexploded military ordnance.
  4. DTo inform buyers about potential environmental contamination from military activities.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. To alert buyers to the potential presence of unexploded military ordnance.

The 'Military Ordnance Disclosure' (often mistakenly associated with Megan's Law due to its 'disclosure' nature, but distinct) is a specific California disclosure (Civil Code § 1102.15) requiring sellers to inform buyers if a property is within one mile of a former military ordnance location, primarily to alert them to the potential for unexploded ordnance.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This describes the *actual* Megan's Law disclosure, which is about registered sex offenders, not military bases. The question incorrectly labels the military ordnance disclosure as 'Megan's Law disclosure' to test this distinction.
  • B. Noise pollution is a different hazard and would typically be covered by general environmental disclosures or local ordinances, not the military ordnance disclosure.
  • D. While possible, environmental contamination is a separate disclosure (e.g., environmental hazards, NHD); the ordnance disclosure specifically targets unexploded ordnance.

CA Military Ordnance Disclosure

California disclosure (Civil Code § 1102.15) requiring sellers to inform buyers if a property is within one mile of a former military ordnance location.

  • Applies if property is within one mile of a former federal or state ordnance location.
  • Primary purpose is to alert buyers to potential for unexploded ordnance.
  • Distinct from Megan's Law (sex offender) disclosure.

Memory trick: Ordnance: Not Sex Offenders, But Old Military Reminders!

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