Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington
Seller did not properly fix problem in real estate addendum
I just purchased a home, during the home inspection a problem was found with the plumbing (water backed up in the shower and toilet). We wrote an addendum to the purchase agreement that a certified plumber was to evaluate and repair the problem before closing. The person hired did plumbing work but was not a certified plumber, did not find the root cause of the problem, and I have just had to pay $2000 to have the mainline excavated in our front yard to remove 2 gallons of rock. This was the cause of the original problem, the problem was never solved, and seller is refusing to pay. Who is responsible for this debt?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Seller did not properly fix problem in real estate addendum
You will need to check the real property contract. If the seller was responsible for having the problem fixed, then it is likely that the seller would be responsible for paying the cost that you've incurred. However, you must also consider whether you were given a right to reinspect the property. If you did and the inspector found nothing wrong prior to closing it may be difficult to make a case against the seller.