Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

I live in New Jersey. I purchased my house last April. Before closing, as per norm, an inspection was done on the house. It was found to have water in the basement. The seller was given a list of things that needed to be repaired, prior to closing. The original work requested for the basement was to install a french drain, which the seller said he would NOT do. However, he had his shotty contractor "regrout" from the outside. Within the year my basement has gotten a substantial amount of water. During the storm in August there was about 4inches (maybe more) of water in my basement. Can I go after the seller for repairs?


Asked on 10/11/11, 9:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Any repairs that were required and that seller agreed to do should have been completed before you made settlement. If you had wanted, you probably could have refused to settle when the seller refused to install a french drain, if that was required by the inspection report. If you accepted the deed and closed on the house without repairs completed, you are probably too late to do anything about it.

Still, you could try to ask the seller.

The problem is that you were aware of the water/basement issues, so it's not as if anything had been hidden from you.

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 10/11/11, 12:12 pm


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