A seller is required to deliver earthquake safety guides to buyers of most masonry buildings with wood frame floors or roofs built prior to:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:41
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
2000.
A (2000) is incorrect because the cutoff date is earlier than 2000. Buildings constructed between 1990-2000 are not subject to this specific earthquake safety guide requirement under California law.
1990.
1980.
C (1980) is incorrect because the cutoff date is later than 1980. While buildings built before 1980 would certainly require the guide, the law specifically targets buildings built prior to 1990, creating a broader range of covered buildings.
1
D is incorrect because it's not a complete year reference. Even if intended to represent 1975, this is still before the actual cutoff date of 1990, making it too narrow a range.
Why is this correct?
Answer B (1990) is correct because California law requires earthquake safety guides for masonry buildings with wood frame floors or roofs built prior to 1990. This specific cutoff date is mandated by Civil Code § 1103.2, which targets older construction that may be more vulnerable to earthquake damage.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
This question tests your knowledge of California's specific disclosure requirements related to earthquake safety for certain types of buildings. Understanding this requirement is crucial for real estate professionals in California because it directly impacts transaction compliance and liability. The question focuses on identifying the correct cutoff year for when earthquake safety guides must be provided to buyers of masonry buildings with wood frame floors or roofs. To answer correctly, you need to know California's Civil Code § 1103.2, which requires sellers to provide earthquake hazard materials for certain buildings constructed before a specific date. The question is challenging because it requires precise knowledge of this cutoff date and understanding which building types are covered. Many students confuse this with other California disclosure requirements or misremember the specific year. This connects to broader knowledge of seller disclosure obligations, which are a significant component of real estate transactions nationwide and particularly stringent in California.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
California's earthquake safety guide requirement stems from the state's seismic risk and the potential dangers associated with certain building types. The law, specifically Civil Code § 1103.2, requires sellers to provide earthquake hazard materials to buyers of masonry buildings with wood frame floors or roofs built prior to 1990. This requirement was established as part of California's efforts to improve earthquake preparedness and ensure buyers are informed about potential structural vulnerabilities. Masonry construction with wood frame components was identified as particularly vulnerable during seismic events, especially in older buildings where building standards may not have accounted for earthquake risks as comprehensively as later codes.
Masonry with wood frame, before ninety's fame, needs earthquake safety guides to play the game.
Remember this rhyme to recall that masonry buildings with wood frame components built before 1990 require earthquake safety guides.
For California-specific disclosure questions, focus on the exact cutoff dates and building types. Remember that earthquake guides are required for pre-1990 masonry buildings with wood frame components.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
A listing agent shows a 1985 masonry home with wood frame floors to potential buyers in Los Angeles. The agent must provide the earthquake safety guide before accepting an offer. If the agent fails to provide this required document and an earthquake causes damage, the seller could face legal liability for nondisclosure. The agent's failure to comply with this specific disclosure requirement could result in disciplinary action and potential lawsuits, highlighting why understanding these nuanced requirements is essential for practicing real estate safely in California.
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