Odenton, MD asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Maryland

Q: Is there a Maryland law that indicates home sellers must cover cost to fix septic or well?

if they don't pass inspection? or are these addendum's that are put into an offer?

2 Lawyer Answers
Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
Answered
  • Construction Law Lawyer
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: This is a negotiated item. The standard Board of Realtors contracts have contingencies for buyer's inspections of these items. If the inspections fail, there is a negotiation over repairs, who pays, price reduction, etc. There is a point where the buyer may elect to cancel the deal if the item is not addressed to their satisfaction. Similarly, the seller may have the right to cancel if the cost is too great.

Cedulie Renee Laumann agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Answered
  • Crownsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: No.

While a seller might have a harder time selling as-is and some types of financing will require these items to be in working order there is no law mandating that the Seller must do repairs.

You're encouraged to talk these items over with your real estate agent and/or real estate attorney in the context of any specific transaction.

1 user found this answer helpful

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