Buyer's agent Tony learns from a neighbor that the property his client Beth wants to purchase was the site of a violent crime five years ago. There is no physical damage to the property. Under Ohio law, is Tony required to disclose this information to Beth?

Correct Answer

C) No, because Ohio law does not require disclosure of stigmatizing events such as crimes or deaths that did not cause physical damage to the property

Ohio law expressly provides that certain stigmatizing events — including crimes, suicides, and deaths that occurred on a property — do not constitute material facts requiring disclosure, provided the event caused no physical damage to the property. This protection is reflected in Ohio's residential property disclosure framework and shields licensees from liability for non-disclosure of such events. Tony has no legal obligation to disclose the prior crime to Beth.