Sellers: Check Your Permits

The excellent and comprehensive “Truth or Consequences” report by Marilyn Tower Oliver (Dec. 9) detailing the legal obligations of sellers to disclose all material facts and buyers’ rights for noncompliance was a valuable public service for both.

Sellers should note that whether or not they are represented by an agent, they are required to provide the transfer disclosure in the form and time prescribed by law.

Penalties for noncompliance and/or concealment range from liability for damages for a two-year period and/or rescission of the contract.

Sellers can avoid duplicating the $26,000 mistake of the owner in the story who “thought” the previous owner had a permit for the patio by asking their building and safety department for a copy of all permits.

TONY KRISS

Torrance