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Robert, a Connecticut buyer, signed a purchase agreement with a 30-day due diligence period. On day 28, Robert discovered that the property was subject to an unresolved environmental lien under the Connecticut Transfer Act. Robert notified the seller in writing within the due diligence period and elected to terminate the contract. The seller argues that Robert's termination is a breach because the environmental lien was a matter of public record that Robert should have discovered earlier. Under Connecticut law, which of the following is most accurate?

Correct Answer

B) Robert properly exercised his right to terminate within the due diligence period, and the seller's argument that the lien was of public record does not negate the buyer's contractual right to exit during the agreed period

A due diligence contingency period in a Connecticut purchase contract grants the buyer the contractual right to investigate the property and terminate the agreement for any reason (or for specified reasons) within the agreed timeframe. Robert discovered the environmental lien and provided written notice of termination on day 28, within the 30-day window. The seller's argument that the lien was publicly recorded does not override the buyer's express contractual right to terminate during the due diligence period. The purpose of the due diligence period is precisely to allow the buyer to uncover such issues, including those in public records.

Answer Options
A
Robert's termination is a breach because buyers are charged with constructive notice of all recorded liens and cannot rely on a due diligence period to escape a contract for publicly recorded matters
B
Robert properly exercised his right to terminate within the due diligence period, and the seller's argument that the lien was of public record does not negate the buyer's contractual right to exit during the agreed period
C
Robert must obtain a court order to terminate the contract, even when acting within a contractual due diligence period
D
The environmental lien automatically voids the contract without requiring any notice from Robert, making his written termination notice unnecessary

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

due_diligenceTransfer_Actenvironmental_lientermination_rightconstructive_notice

Related Concepts

The Statute of Frauds is a legal requirement that certain types of contracts must be in writing and signed to be enforceable. In real estate, all contracts for the sale of land or interests in land must be in writing.

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.

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