Q: Am I responsible for water leak damage to condo unit below caused by previous owner of my condo unit?
I recently purchased a condo unit in LA. I've been in unit for 3 weeks. Last night I receive a call from downstairs unit "Laura" who happens to be HOA president of the building. She stated that her bathroom ceiling was leaking. I was taking a bath but no over flooding. "Laura" called mgmt co and a plumber was sent today. After inspecting both units, plumber determined that the small hole which is for drainage of water in the tub(the part where you close & shut to fill your tub) was not functioning properly. Plumber stated that a considerable stain and slight collapsing of ceiling was visible.
The damage was clearly caused by months or years of small slippage of water which "Laura" knew or should've known.
Am I responsible to pay for re doing "Laura's"ceiling? Is there negligence on Laura's part to allow the condition get to that point?
It seems rather unfair for me to have to pay for a damage that I didn't cause. Please advise. Considering hiring an attorney.
A: The new owner of the unit will arguably legally take on the outstanding liability of the prior owner caused by the home's status. But the new owner may be able to sue the prior owner if the prior owner owed a contractual or statutory duty to disclose to the new owner the related defects, if he/she knew or should have known about them. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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