Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Open permits by previous owners.

I have recently purchased a house in Livingston NJ. Before moving in I’d decided to do some work on the house that requires permits from the township. When I applied for the permits I was informed that there where some permits opened by previous owners and I must closed these permits first in order to open new once. The inspections failed all of these permits due to incorrect work performed, so now I need to hire a contractor to fix all the incorrect alterations and go through the inspection again. That will cost me time and money. Is there a way I can go after the previous owners? The closing on the house was a bit over a month ago. The Livingston Township does not require the CO at the closing. Please help.


Asked on 9/09/05, 10:34 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Open permits by previous owners.

What you are seeking might be possible. Please call to set up a time to meet and discuss. You will need to bring all of the documents related to the purchase, the contract and all of the closing papers, and all documents concerning the work at the house. I will be pleased to assist you. 973 890 0400

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Answered on 9/09/05, 11:00 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Open permits by previous owners.

I suggest your closing attorney promptly notify the Seller, Seller's attorney and the brokers. I am reasonably sure the contract covered this and there may be an issue of fraud or concealment involved and this may be raised as a claim for some contribution to the costs you will incur. I happen to be a Livingston resident, quite involved in the community and may be able to assist your attorney on a personal level, as well as legally. Contact me directly to provide more information and we should talk. You may reach me at my office at 973-377-3313.

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Answered on 9/09/05, 11:16 am


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