Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida
Purchased property with a finished structure on it in Florida. When we hired a contractor to add a porch to the building he could not get a permit from the county. Their was no record of any structure on the property The previous owner never took out any permits for the wiring or plumbing. Was it my responsibility to research to see that the building was legal? Can I take the seller to small claims court to sue for the cost of bringing the building to code for the county to issue permits making the structure legal?
2 Answers from Attorneys
It is the buyer's responsibility to know what he is buying. Read your contract to see if you can make a claim.
Buyer's need to be aware. Your contract however controls the relationship between the parties. You should have had an attorney handle the closing for you and this is one of the many items an attorney would have checked on your behalf. You need to have your contract reviewed to determine if you have any claims, small claims or otherwise.