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Residential TradingBCHARD

A buyer purchases a home in North Vancouver and discovers after closing that a decommissioned oil tank was not properly removed and has contaminated the soil. The seller checked 'Unknown' on the PDS regarding oil tanks. What is the buyer's legal position?

Correct Answer

B) If the buyer can prove the seller actually knew about the tank and contamination, the 'Unknown' answer constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation and the buyer may recover remediation costs and damages

If the seller knew about the oil tank and contamination but marked 'Unknown' on the PDS, this constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation. The buyer would need to prove the seller had actual knowledge. If successful, the buyer may recover the cost of remediation, diminution in property value, and potentially additional damages. The buyer should also consider whether the seller's agent knew and failed to disclose.

Answer Options
A
The buyer has no recourse because the seller answered 'Unknown'
B
If the buyer can prove the seller actually knew about the tank and contamination, the 'Unknown' answer constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation and the buyer may recover remediation costs and damages
C
The buyer can only recover costs from the municipality
D
The buyer's home insurance will automatically cover all remediation costs

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Key Terms

oil tank contaminationfraudulent misrepresentationPDS Unknown answerburden of proofremediation costs
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