Post-sale Legal Issues?
I sold a 2 year old home in early Dec, and just received a call from my agent stating the buyers agent called her with a couple problems relating to the house we sold. She said that one of the toilets in this house developed a leak, and that a small area of the roof had a minor leak during a heavy rainstorm and is attempting to pull the "prior conditions" card.
The house sat for 5 months empty, with zero use on the toilets, so perhaps a seal has gone bad to cause this leak.
What legal issues could this cause me down the line? We didnt sell the house with a warranty, and Im not sure if my builders warranty transfers over. Am I liable here? What problems could I encounter from the issues the new homeowners are experiencing?
thanks!
yes, a disclosure sheet was provided prior to the sale, and they had a mandatory home inspection completed as this was purchased by someone using their VA benefits.
Sounds like both of those things happened after they were in the home for several weeks. The toilet is definitely their problem as a leak in a sink etc can happen anytime and as for the roof it would be hard to prove you knew about it unless there was some type of watermark on the ceiling or wood rot to prove that it leaked during the time of your ownership. I say they need to accept the fact that they are homeowners and suck it up. Both can probably be fixed for under 20.00 with a can of roof sealant and a wax ring.
I agree with Meddac; the buyers should learn they are homeowners; upkeep is a continuing expense. Are they going to want you to put a new hot water heater in in five years?..when will it end?
I do know this: A handyman is cheaper than a lawyer. If the buyers are disgruntled and unreasonable, then a quick fix might be the cheaper way to go if they are inclined to sue. People will sue, as-is or not, they probably will not win, but the cost to defend yourself can be higher than that handyman. At least with a handyman something productive is accomplished for your money.