Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

We bought a house April 03, and have found that all the upstairs plumbing is leaking behind the walls and has damaged the kitchen ceiling on the floor below. Is there any way we can recover damages from this and whom would we sue? The home inspector for missing the leaks, or the previous owner who did the remodel and evidence points to having knowledge of the problems and not disclosing the information prior to sale?


Asked on 4/19/13, 3:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

If the damage was not visible to you or to the home inspector, it would be difficult to make a claim against the inspector. Most inspectors' liability is very limited anyway.

Did you get the required Seller's Property Disclosure Statement? What did it say about the plumbing and recent work/remodeling? If the seller did the work, and even if the seller didn't do the work but was aware of problems, and you have evidence of that, and the seller did not disclose any problems, you may have claims against the seller.

You need to consult a lawyer in your county to help you review the transaction and evaluate your options.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 4/19/13, 8:58 am


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