You’re an individual who just bought your dream home. Or you thought it was your dream home until coming across several things wrong with it that the seller didn’t tell you. Per Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 66-5-201 to 210 (The Residential Property Disclosure Act), sellers are required to fill out a disclosure statement, which informs buyers about particular conditions of said property.
Unfortunately, some sellers fail to disclose unpleasant aspects of their homes — either unintentionally or on purpose. Here are some common errors home sellers make that could land them in court.
Not disclosing building issues
You might not notice issues until you are living in your new home. There could be mold, roaches or lead-based paint, which is especially hazardous if you have children.
Refusing to tell you about problems in the neighborhood
Problems in a neighborhood affect residential properties, too. Examples include noise pollution, high crime and potholes.
Making misleading claims
Suppose during the house showing earlier, the seller told you that the bathroom contains new ceramic tiles. But some time later, you discover that the flooring is peeling because it’s vinyl material. Plus, the vinyl flooring is a decade old.
Making an error in the disclosure statement
Sometimes, sellers get confused by the guidelines outlined in the disclosure statement. Nevertheless, it doesn’t excuse them from disclosing important information regarding their property.
Understating a property issue
The seller might tell you there’s a “little” leaky pipe problem in the basement that’s simple to remedy. When you attempt to fix it, it bursts and leads to a flooding problem that would require a plumber and cost hundreds of dollars.
No one should have issues with a new home. However, they’re hard to avoid, especially when a seller isn’t upfront about problems beforehand. Consider reaching out to legal guidance if you were misled or lied to about a residential property.