Do you have to disclose leaks when selling a house?
Sellers should disclose past or present leaks or water damage.
What happens if you buy a house with an undisclosed leak?
In most states you have grounds to sue if the seller concealed or lied about the defect. If it was an obvious problem you should have spotted for yourself, you may be out of luck. Most states require sellers tell you about problems with the house before you buy. California was the first state to require full disclosure.
What to do if you discover a leak in your home?
If you discover an undisclosed leak or other defect, there are several people you may be able to sue. The seller is a natural target, and in some states his agent and the home inspector are also liable. If you had a real-estate agent representing you, state law allows you to sue your own agent.
When do you find out there are problems with your house?
Problems with the home can come to light after the papers have been signed and the keys are handed over. Sometimes it may take months or years for those problems to be noticed! As the new owner, you may be wondering if you’re stuck footing the bill for the repairs or if the seller is partially (or completely) responsible.
What happens if there is a leak in a house in California?
The defects California sellers have to disclose include not only leaks and other physical problems but bad floor plans and location issues such as being close to the city dump or a railroad track. If the seller disclosed the problem but you didn’t spot it on the disclosure form, he’s off the hook.
When to go after the seller for a leaking roof?
When you experience your first rain after closing on your house and the roof leaks, it’s natural to want to go after the seller. After all, if it’s not a new home, it was her roof before it was yours.
In most states you have grounds to sue if the seller concealed or lied about the defect. If it was an obvious problem you should have spotted for yourself, you may be out of luck. Most states require sellers tell you about problems with the house before you buy. California was the first state to require full disclosure.
The defects California sellers have to disclose include not only leaks and other physical problems but bad floor plans and location issues such as being close to the city dump or a railroad track. If the seller disclosed the problem but you didn’t spot it on the disclosure form, he’s off the hook.
If you discover an undisclosed leak or other defect, there are several people you may be able to sue. The seller is a natural target, and in some states his agent and the home inspector are also liable. If you had a real-estate agent representing you, state law allows you to sue your own agent.
