What should I do about undisclosed water damage?
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What should I do about undisclosed water damage?
About 2 years ago my wife and I bought our house from 2 realtors that were flippers too. 6 months in we started running the heat and noticed cracks in the drywall and doors not shutting. Called some contractors and one said he was in the house before it was flipped and saw the entire kitchen ceiling down on the ground and water everywhere. We had mold, replaced all the flooring subfloor included, the entire kitchen, the duct work and a bunch of other stuff. On the seller disclosure form the water damage section was checked
Asked on April 19, 2016 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Ignore their comment about sitting on realtor boards--that won't help them in court: the boards have no power over court.
Your recourse is to sue them for the money. You would sue them based on fraud: on concealing a material, or important, facts in order to induce, or cause, you to buy the home. The law does not allow a home seller to hide or lie about significant structural or health conditions. While it would be benficial to have an attorney represent you--maybe you can find one who will do this on contingency, or for a portion of any money recovered--if you can't, you have the right to file the case "pro se," or as you own attorney(s). You can find instructions and likely sample or template forms from you court: try contacting the court clerk's office.
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