Haunted houses are a celebrated part of American folklore — and a durable part of U.S. culture. Recent polling shows belief in paranormal phenomena remains common; for example, national opinion research indicates that roughly four in ten Americans say ghosts probably or definitely exist, and that some places can be haunted (YouGov). Seasonal participation is mainstream as well, with strong Halloween engagement and spending reported by the retail industry (National Retail Federation). This cultural backdrop helps explain sustained interest in both historic “haunted” sites and modern haunted attractions.
Entertainment keeps the lore visible, but housing decisions are more pragmatic. Multiple 2024 national surveys report that a majority of Americans would consider purchasing a home reputed to be haunted — especially for a lower price or better location — and that younger buyers are the most flexible, often expecting a discount rather than paying a premium (Clever Real Estate 2024; Realtor.com 2024). In other words, the story may draw attention, but value still hinges on fundamentals like price, location, and condition.
However, when it’s your house, the relevant issues shift to disclosure rules, safety, and insurance practicalities. As of 2025, alleged hauntings are typically treated as psychological stigmas in real estate — handled by state-specific disclosure statutes — and buyers who care about these issues should submit questions in writing. For example, New York law provides a written-inquiry process and permits owners or agents to decline to answer without liability (N.Y. Real Property Law §443‑a).
From an insurance standpoint, there is no evidence that carriers surcharge a home simply for being “haunted.” Homeowners premiums are based on physical and actuarial risk factors such as replacement cost, location/perils, coverage selections, and claims history — not psychological stigma (Insurance Information Institute; NAIC). Costs can change indirectly, though, if notoriety leads to vacancy (triggering vandalism limits), trespass/vandalism, or commercial use like tours or events.
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What Makes a House “Haunted”?
These are some of the signs of a haunted house:
- Movement of objects
- Puffs of air
- Cold air
- Shadows
- Unexplained noises, voices or smells
Many “signs” have mundane explanations, so investigators increasingly use environmental monitoring and forensic-style documentation to rule out hazards and confounders. Practical steps include installing carbon monoxide alarms and checking fuel-burning appliances (CDC), logging temperature/humidity and indoor air quality with validated sensors (EPA Air Sensor Toolbox), mapping RF/EMF sources that can cause interference or device anomalies (FCC), and capturing calibrated sound level baselines to identify mechanical or infrasound contributors (NIOSH SLM App). For objective documentation, teams also apply radiometric thermal imaging (FLIR Boson+), low‑light video that preserves color context (Axis Lightfinder), quick LiDAR scans for floor plans and sensor placement (Apple LiDAR), and best practices for digital evidence integrity (SWGDE).
Buyer interest persists despite the lore. 2024 polling indicates that a majority would at least consider a home reputed to be haunted if the price or location were right, while only a small minority would pay extra for notoriety (Clever; Realtor.com). Broader opinion data also show that belief in ghosts is widespread enough to keep “haunted” homes in the conversation (YouGov).
For shoppers who care about stigma, ask direct questions in writing and review your state’s disclosure framework. In New York, sellers and agents can lawfully decline to answer certain written inquiries about psychological impacts but must follow the statute’s procedure (N.Y. RPL §443‑a). Industry guidance compiles current approaches and best practices for handling stigmatized property issues (NAR Field Guide).
Sellers should also avoid misrepresentation. In New York’s well‑known “Ghostbusters” case, a buyer was allowed to rescind a contract where the seller had publicly represented the house as haunted and failed to disclose that to an out‑of‑town buyer (Stambovsky v. Ackley). Use lore for marketing if you wish, but keep statements accurate and consistent with state law and disclosure forms (NAR).
Disclosure laws
Most states classify alleged hauntings as a “psychological” or “stigmatized” issue, not a physical defect. As of 2025, several statutes expressly say there is no duty to disclose alleged paranormal activity — including Massachusetts (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93, §114), Minnesota (Minn. Stat. §513.56), and Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Laws §5‑20.8‑6). California is a notable outlier on deaths: sellers must disclose if an occupant’s death occurred on the property within the past three years, with specific exceptions (Cal. Civ. Code §1710.2).
Other states immunize nondisclosure of deaths and related stigmas. Florida provides that homicide, suicide, or death is not a material fact requiring disclosure (Fla. Stat. §689.25). Texas says sellers need not disclose deaths caused by natural causes, suicide, or accidents unrelated to the property’s condition (Tex. Prop. Code §5.008). New York limits causes of action for nondisclosure of psychological impacts and outlines a procedure for written inquiries (N.Y. RPL §443‑a). Note that, contrary to some older summaries, New Jersey is not among the states with statutes expressly referencing paranormal phenomena; verify any local requirements with counsel or your broker (NAR Field Guide).
In fact, an October 2019 study highlighted the patchwork nature of stigma rules. As of 2025, the core approach remains: alleged hauntings are generally non‑material stigmas; California retains a three‑year death‑disclosure window; and states like Florida, New York, and Texas shield nondisclosure of deaths. Buyers who care about these issues should ask in writing and review state‑mandated disclosure forms (NAR).
So what do you do if you find yourself living in a haunted house? Start with real‑world safety and fit‑for‑purpose insurance: install and test CO detectors (CDC), consider an electrical inspection, and document conditions; then confirm your coverage matches how the property is used (personal residence versus events or rentals).
What Are the Hazards of a Haunted House?
Alleged hauntings are not an insurable peril. Insurers price homeowners policies on physical risk and coverage choices, not psychological stigma (III; NAIC). The practical hazards arise when stigma changes real exposures — for example, extended vacancy, trespass and vandalism, or converting the home to a paid attraction.
Vacancy and vandalism exposure: many homeowners policies limit or exclude vandalism and malicious mischief after a dwelling is “vacant” for a set period (commonly 60 days). You may need a vacant‑dwelling policy or endorsement, which is often significantly more expensive than standard homeowners insurance due to higher loss frequency and severity (State Farm: Vacant home insurance; Bankrate). If notoriety attracts trespassers, consider improved lighting, cameras, and physical security, and talk with your agent about higher liability limits via an umbrella policy.
Environmental and structural risk management: reduce real hazards that drive claims by installing CO alarms (CDC), addressing moisture and ventilation issues (use validated sensors and performance targets per EPA), checking wiring and loads (thermal imaging can help locate hot spots: FLIR), characterizing RF/EMF interference sources (FCC), and documenting noise/infrasound baselines (NIOSH). These controls address plausible causes of “activity,” support safer occupancy, and can reduce claim frequency.
Marketability and pricing: some buyers react negatively to stigmas, and agents often price accordingly. 2024 surveys indicate most willing buyers expect a discount rather than paying a premium (Clever; Realtor.com), though tight local inventory can narrow the penalty. This aligns with general advice that stigmatized homes may require concessions or longer marketing time (lower resale value).
[ Read: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? ]
Home Insurance for a Haunted House
As of 2025, there is no demonstrated surcharge just because a home is “haunted.” Carriers use quantifiable factors — construction and replacement cost, location/perils, coverage and deductibles, and claim history — when setting rates (III; NAIC). Stigma itself is not a rating variable, and market value effects are separate from replacement‑cost coverage.
Nonrenewal risk is tied to losses, not legends. Multiple or severe claims — whether from vandalism, liability incidents, or uncovered business activity — can lead a carrier to decline renewal. Keeping accurate records, addressing hazards, and choosing appropriate deductibles can help manage both premium and retention (NAIC).
If your property draws onlookers, bolster premises safety and consider higher liability limits via a personal umbrella policy. Security improvements and clear “no‑trespassing” signage can mitigate attraction risk. For properties left empty during renovations or due to stigma, discuss a vacant‑dwelling solution before crossing vacancy thresholds that curtail vandalism coverage (State Farm; Bankrate).
Finally, if you monetize the lore — tours, ticketed events, or short‑term rentals — standard homeowners policies typically exclude business liability. You’ll likely need a home‑based business endorsement or separate commercial/special‑event coverage for customer injuries and related risks (III: Home‑based business insurance).
Finally, Matthew Dailly, the Managing Director for Tiger Financial, reminds us again that the use of your home can also impact your rates. Your insurance needs change materially once you charge admission or host commercial events; work with a broker to place the right policy forms.
Additional Coverage to Consider
Curiosity can create real exposures. If your home attracts trespassers or vandalism, ask your agent about protective devices, premises liability limits, and whether a personal umbrella is appropriate. If the home will be unoccupied for an extended period, plan ahead for vacancy clauses that limit vandalism coverage after roughly 60 days and consider a vacant‑dwelling policy if needed (State Farm; Bankrate).
The only reason a “haunted” home would cost more to insure is if the risk profile changes — for example, higher likelihood of break‑ins or an extended vacancy. These are insurable risk factors, whereas the lore itself is not. Security lighting, cameras, and documented maintenance reduce loss potential; a higher personal liability limit or umbrella can add a buffer if someone is injured on your premises (NAIC).
If you charge admission or host paid events, treat the property as a business venue. Commercial haunted attractions typically need general liability with participant injury coverage (spectator‑only forms are inadequate), property/inland marine for sets and equipment, workers’ compensation for staff, hired/non‑owned auto where applicable, liquor liability if alcohol is served, and often excess/umbrella limits. Specialty markets serving haunted venues explicitly offer these coverages and critical endorsements like assault & battery (K&K Insurance; Haas & Wilkerson). Insurability and pricing also depend on life‑safety compliance: many haunted houses are treated as “special amusement buildings” under NFPA guidance (sprinklers, detection, marked egress, show shut‑down on alarm) (NFPA). Several states require proof of liability insurance for amusement operations (e.g., at least $1,000,000 per occurrence in Ohio; annual inspection and insurance filing in Texas) (Ohio Dept. of Agriculture; Texas TDLR). For safety culture and underwriting, many carriers look for adherence to the Haunted Attraction Association’s “13 Points of Safety” (HAA).
[ Read: How and When to File a Home Insurance Claim ]
The Bottom Line
As of 2025, insurers do not rate homes higher simply for being “haunted.” Premiums reflect physical risk and coverage choices (III; NAIC). Costs can rise indirectly if the home sits vacant (vandalism limits around 60 days), draws trespassers, or operates as a paid attraction (a business exposure). On the real‑estate side, disclosure rules are state‑specific: California requires disclosure of deaths within three years (Cal. Civ. Code §1710.2); New York, Florida, and Texas largely shield nondisclosure of deaths (N.Y. RPL §443‑a; Fla. Stat. §689.25; Tex. Prop. Code §5.008), and states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Rhode Island explicitly say alleged paranormal activity is not a material fact requiring disclosure (MA; MN; RI). Ask questions in writing, manage real hazards (CO, wiring, moisture), and match your insurance to how the property is used.
Photo by Chuck Ortego / GettyImages
