An Ohio buyer discovers after closing that the property has significant soil contamination from historic industrial use. The seller never occupied the property and claimed the non-owner-occupied exemption from the Residential Property Disclosure Form. The buyer sues for nondisclosure. Under Ohio law, what is the seller's position?
Correct Answer
B) While exempt from the statutory disclosure form, the seller may still be liable under common law fraud if they knew about and concealed the contamination
While the seller may have been exempt from the statutory Residential Property Disclosure Form requirement, the common law duty not to fraudulently conceal known material defects still applies. If the seller knew about the contamination and deliberately concealed it, they can be liable for fraud regardless of the form exemption.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
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Related Concepts
A property condition disclosure is a written statement by the seller detailing the known condition of the property, including defects, repairs, and issues with major systems. Most states require sellers to complete this form.
Protected classes are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination based on specific characteristics.
Radon disclosure involves informing buyers about the presence or potential presence of radon gas in a property. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
More Oh Disclosure Requirements Questions
An Ohio property is in a township that has recently enacted a point-of-sale inspection requirement for residential property transfers. The seller was not aware of this new requirement. Under Ohio practice, whose responsibility is it to ensure compliance with local point-of-sale requirements?
An Ohio listing agent receives a home inspection report from the buyer's agent showing significant issues. The listing agent's current listing on the same property expires, and 6 months later, a new agent lists the property. Under Ohio law, does the original listing agent have any obligation regarding the inspection report?
An Ohio property has a private road easement that requires the property owner to share maintenance costs with 4 other property owners. Under Ohio disclosure law, what must the seller disclose?
Jake, an Ohio seller, has a property with a French drain system installed to address yard drainage issues. Under Ohio disclosure law, must Jake disclose the drainage system?
Terry, an Ohio seller, has a property with a water softener installed to treat hard water from the private well. Under Ohio disclosure law, must Terry disclose the water softener and the reason for its installation?
- → Tom, an Ohio seller, asks whether he must disclose that the property has a sump pump in the basement. Under Ohio disclosure practice, which statement is correct?
- → Kevin, an Ohio first-time seller, asks whether he must disclose that his property is connected to the municipal sewer system. Under Ohio disclosure practice, which statement is correct?
- → Nancy, an Ohio buyer, is purchasing a property and asks about environmental assessments. Her agent explains the different phases. Under Ohio environmental practice, what is the purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
- → Sara, an Ohio buyer, asks her agent whether she should conduct an environmental assessment before purchasing a residential property in a suburban neighborhood. Under Ohio practice, when is an environmental assessment typically recommended?
- → Lisa, an Ohio seller, discovers that her property's drinking water has high iron content, causing staining of fixtures. The water is safe to drink but cosmetically unpleasant. Under Ohio disclosure law, must Lisa disclose this?
- → Christine, an Ohio seller, knows her property contains asbestos floor tiles in the basement. The tiles are in good condition and undamaged. Under Ohio disclosure law, must Christine disclose the asbestos?
- → Emily, an Ohio buyer, is purchasing a property near a former landfill. She asks her agent about potential environmental concerns. Under Ohio practice, what should the agent advise?
- → Roger, an Ohio seller, asks his agent whether mold is considered an environmental hazard that must be disclosed. Under Ohio disclosure practice, which statement is correct?
- → Matt, an Ohio first-time seller, asks his agent what an underground storage tank (UST) is and why it matters for disclosure. Under Ohio environmental law, why must USTs be disclosed?
- → Amanda, an Ohio seller, is completing the Residential Property Disclosure Form. The form asks about environmental hazards. Under Ohio law, which of the following must be disclosed if known?