What Can We Learn From Claudia Schiffer? Insights on Haunted Real Estate Laws

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer has spoken openly about the friendly ghosts that occupy her 14-bedroom, 1574 English Tudor mansion. Coldham Hall (what’s better than a house with a name?) was built in the shape of an H in honor of King Henry VIII (Yes, that Henry! Off with her head!)) and was supposedly christened by Queen Elizabeth I, who was served cold ham when she stayed there. The home remained with the original family for over 300 years before Schiffer and her British film-director-husband purchased it in 2002.

Spiritual Residue and Legal Insights

So, what can we learn from this homestead full of spiritual residue?

We can talk about Florida’s rules regarding selling a haunted house (also known as stigmatized properties). Does a Sunshine State seller need to tell a pending buyer if the property is haunted?

Florida’s Stance on Haunted Properties:

• Legal Framework: Our Florida statutes are silent as to phantom roommates.
• Disclosure Rules: Florida statute 689.25 specifically states that sellers (and their real estate agents) are NOT required to disclose a homicide, suicide, deaths, or diagnosis of HIV or AIDS infection in an occupant of property. Florida does not consider these events to be a “material fact” that must be disclosed in a real estate transaction.
• Material Facts: In general, material facts that a seller must disclose include things like structural issues, plumbing problems or flooding.
• Comparative Insight: Only 4 states, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Minnesota, have language even referencing paranormal disclosures.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. We learn that it makes sense that an old English manor has a few creepy companions and that in Florida, you may be able to hide your ghosts without saying “Boo!” about it.