Philippines National Residential Required Disclosures Guide
Understand the mandatory disclosures landlords must provide to residential tenants in the Philippines under the Civil Code.
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Philippines National Residential Required Disclosures
While the Philippines does not have a lengthy, statutory list of hyper-specific disclosures identical to some Western jurisdictions (such as lead paint or mold disclosures), landlords are still bound by the principles of "good faith" and full disclosure under the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386), which originally took effect on 30 August 1950. Failure to disclose hidden defects can lead to the rescission of the lease contract or a reduction in rent.
This guide covers the essential disclosures landlords must make to tenants prior to signing a residential lease agreement.
Essential Disclosures
1. Hidden Defects (Redhibitory Vices)
Under Article 1653 of the Civil Code, the provisions governing warranty against hidden defects in the Law on Sales (Articles 1561 to 1566) are applicable to lease contracts.
- Article 1561 states that the lessor is responsible for hidden defects which render the property unfit for the use for which it is intended, or which diminish its fitness for such use.
- This applies even if the landlord was unaware of the defects at the time of leasing (Article 1566), unless there is a stipulation to the contrary and the lessor was truly ignorant of the defects.
- If a landlord fails to disclose a significant defect (e.g., severe structural issues, recurring flooding during the rainy season, or faulty electrical wiring), the tenant may demand the rescission of the lease and indemnification for damages, or only the latter, leaving the contract in force (Article 1659). Additionally, the lessee may seek a proportionate reduction in rent (accion quanti minoris) under Article 1567 (as applied via Art. 1653).
2. Identity of Owner and Agent
The landlord must disclose the true identity of the owner or the authorized property manager, including their contact information. This ensures the tenant knows who to contact for necessary repairs or in the event of legal disputes, particularly the issuance of Demand to Pay letters required before filing an unlawful detainer or forcible entry case in the Metropolitan or Municipal Trial Courts.
3. Rent Control Act Status (Recommended)
While the Rent Control Act of 2009 (RA 9653) does not mandate specific disclosures, it is a recommended best practice for landlords to disclose if a unit is covered by the Act.
Under RA 9653 and National Human Settlements Board (NHSB) Resolution No. 2023-03, the Act applies to all residential units in the Philippines with a monthly rent of Ten Thousand Pesos (₱10,000.00) and below.
Attempting to evade the rent threshold or violating the Act can lead to penalties under Section 15 of RA 9653. Any person found guilty shall be fined not less than ₱25,000.00 nor more than ₱50,000.00, or imprisoned for not less than one (1) month and one (1) day to not more than six (6) months, or both.
See our Rent Increases guide for limits on covered units.
Important Information to Include in Leases
Beyond hidden defects, a well-drafted lease should prominently disclose the following functional rules of the property to prevent disputes down the line:
- Subleasing Policy: Under Section 9(a) of RA 9653, the assignment of a lease or subleasing of residential units, including the acceptance of boarders or bedspacers without the written consent of the owner/lessor, is a valid ground for judicial ejectment.
- Utility Responsibilities: Clearly detail whether the rent is inclusive of homeowner's association (HOA) dues, water, electricity, or internet, and who is responsible for transferring the utility accounts.
See our Lease Requirements guide for a full breakdown of what must be in a standard lease contract.
Stay Compliant with Landager
Maintaining a transparent relationship from day one helps retain reliable tenants. Landager allows landlords to host clear digital leases, ensuring all property rules and specific defect disclosures are acknowledged and signed securely before move-in.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What property disclosures are landlords required to make in Philippines?
Landlords in Philippines must disclose relevant information about the property to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures typically include known material defects, environmental hazards, previous damage history, and any conditions that could affect the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Philippines?
Residential tenancies in the Philippines are primarily governed by Republic Act No. 9653 (the Rent Control Act of 2009) and the Civil Code of the Philippines. The Rent Control Act aims to protect lower-income tenants from excessive rent hikes and arbitrary eviction. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the legal eviction process for landlords in Philippines?
The eviction process in Philippines requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order. Self-help evictions are generally prohibited.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase limits and caps in Philippines?
Philippines has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. These rules may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. Landlords must comply with all applicable regulations when raising rent on existing tenancies.
Read the complete guide▶What are the security deposit rules and return deadlines in Philippines?
Philippines has rules governing how much landlords can charge as a security deposit, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all statutory deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Philippines?
Lease agreements in Philippines must comply with applicable national and local laws. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation. Written leases may be required for certain tenancy types or durations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the landlord maintenance and repair obligations in Philippines?
Landlords in Philippines are generally required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, keeping the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services in proper working order. The specific allocation of maintenance responsibilities between landlord and tenant should be clearly documented in the lease agreement.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee and penalty rules for rental properties in Philippines?
Philippines has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on late fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Late fee provisions should be clearly stated in the lease agreement and must comply with local regulations to be enforceable.
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