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A buyer in California purchases a home in Redwood City relying on the seller's statement that the roof was replaced two years ago. After closing, the buyer discovers the roof is actually 15 years old and leaking. The buyer wants to pursue rescission. Under California Civil Code §1572, which element must the buyer prove to establish fraud?

Correct Answer

B) The seller made a false representation of a material fact, knew it was false, and intended the buyer to rely on it

Under California Civil Code §1572, fraud requires: (1) a false suggestion or suppression of a material fact, (2) knowledge of the falsity (or assertion without knowledge), (3) intent to induce the other party to act, and (4) actual reliance by the injured party resulting in damage. The seller's false statement about the roof replacement meets all four elements.

Answer Options
A
The seller's statement was a mere opinion about the roof's condition, not a statement of fact
B
The seller made a false representation of a material fact, knew it was false, and intended the buyer to rely on it
C
The seller received a financial benefit from the misrepresentation exceeding 10% of the sale price
D
A licensed roof inspector confirmed the misrepresentation within 5 business days of closing

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fraudmisrepresentationrescissionCivil_Code_1572

Related Concepts

A time is of the essence clause in a contract means that all deadlines and dates specified in the agreement are strictly enforceable, and failure to meet them constitutes a material breach.

An appraisal contingency allows the buyer to cancel or renegotiate the contract if the property's appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price. This contingency protects buyers from overpaying.

An assignment of contract transfers one party's rights and obligations under a contract to a third party called the assignee. The original party, known as the assignor, transfers their contractual position to someone who was not originally part of the agreement.

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