Ask the Inspector: Can I hide an inspection report while selling the home?

Question: About eight months ago, someone made an offer to buy my home. He hired a home inspector and then backed out of the deal. Now the property is back on the market, and I do not want to disclose to the next buyer that a past inspection was done. Is that OK?

Answer: Withholding a previous home inspection report is definitely not OK. Disclosure laws and common ethics demand that you conceal no information that would be of concern to a buyer. If someone were to buy your home and then learn that you had hidden a home inspection report, they could take legal action against you.

At the very least, it is essential that you inform buyers of all the defects listed in that report, regardless of whether you provide a copy of the report itself.

Liability is a prime consideration. Concealing information exposes you to serious consequences.

— Barry Stone, Access Media Group

To submit a question, go to https://www.housedetective.com.