Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Disclosure of Basement Flooding

We purchased a home 9 months ago and have had rainwater come in the basement through a walkout basement door. The flooding is due to drainage problems around the house. We have flooded approximately 5 times. This problem was never disclosed by the sellers. We are looking at $5,000 in work to correct the problem. Do we have a recourse based on them not disclosing the problem?


Asked on 7/26/00, 9:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Disclosure of Basement Flooding

I answered a similar question to a PA resident earlier today. It is likely that the seller signed a disclosure statement, as this occured in NJ. Is there a disclosure statement? Or, were the owners asked about all known problems? Were they specificsally asked if the basement was a dry one (this is a very common question)? Were there signs of repeated flooding? Repeated flooding leaves tell tale signs.

If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, it is likely you have recourse against the home owner. Did you have a home inspection? If not, shame on you. Don't buy a bome without getting it inspected by an insured inspection company.

Good luck.

Kevin J. Begley, Esq.

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Answered on 9/13/00, 10:09 pm


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