When developing an appraisal, an appraiser discovers that the subject property has environmental contamination that significantly affects value. The client requests that this not be mentioned in the report. What should the appraiser do?

Option A: Comply with the client's request to maintain the business relationship

This violates the Ethics Rule and Competency Rule of USPAP, which require appraisers to develop and communicate credible assignment results. Prioritizing client relationships over professional obligations would result in a misleading appraisal that fails to serve the public trust. The appraiser's duty is to provide objective, unbiased opinions of value, not to satisfy client preferences that compromise the integrity of the assignment.

Option C: Mention the contamination only in the assumptions and limiting conditions

Simply mentioning environmental contamination in assumptions and limiting conditions is insufficient when the contamination materially affects value. This approach would still result in a misleading appraisal because the contamination's impact on value would not be properly analyzed or reflected in the final value conclusion. Material factors must be fully considered in the valuation process, not merely acknowledged in boilerplate language.

Option D: Withdraw from the assignment without explanation

While withdrawal might seem ethical, it's not the best solution when the appraiser can complete a credible assignment by including all material information. USPAP allows appraisers to withdraw from assignments, but the preferred approach is to fulfill professional obligations by developing and reporting a credible appraisal that includes all relevant factors affecting value.