Q: We have a property that was sold owner contract. They are letting the property go to disrepair. Legal recourse?
The roof is leaking and the electric has gone out in parts of the place. We unfortunately didn’t include keeping the place in good condition in the contract. Can we force to make repairs?
A: If the contract for the property sale did not explicitly state that the buyers are required to maintain the property in good condition, your options for legal recourse may be limited. Alaska property law generally leans on the written agreements between parties. However, some general principles of contract law or real estate law could potentially be invoked to require the new owners to maintain the property. For example, the doctrine of "waste" might be applicable if their actions are significantly reducing the property's value. Furthermore, local housing codes or statutes might require them to maintain the property to a certain standard.
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