EstatePass
Practice Of Real Estate DisclosuresNatural_hazard_disclosureHARD

A listing agent orders an NHD report that shows no seismic hazard designation. After the report is prepared, the California Geological Survey updates its maps and places the property within a Seismic Hazard Zone. The buyer's agent discovers the new designation before closing. Under California law, how is liability most likely allocated for the outdated NHD information?

Correct Answer

D) The listing agent may be shielded from liability by good-faith reliance on the report, while the NHD company may bear liability if the updated maps were available when the report was prepared

California Civil Code §1103.4 provides that a listing agent who relies in good faith on a third-party NHD report is not liable for errors in that report. However, NHD companies have a duty of reasonable care in preparing reports, which includes using maps that are current and publicly available at the time of preparation. If the CGS update was accessible when the report was issued and the company failed to incorporate it, the company may face negligence liability for the omission.

Answer Options
A
The listing agent bears full liability because the agent selected and relied on the NHD company
B
The seller bears full liability because the seller is the ultimate party responsible for all disclosures
C
Liability is shared equally between the listing agent and the NHD company regardless of when the map was updated
D
The listing agent may be shielded from liability by good-faith reliance on the report, while the NHD company may bear liability if the updated maps were available when the report was prepared

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Disclosures Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate Disclosures

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate Disclosures

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Disclosures Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

NHDmap_updateCGSNHD_company_liabilitygood_faith_reliance
Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Disclosures Questions

People Also Study

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing