Q: Is it essential to declare the suicide of a person in the house( many years before )to the recent buyer by house owner
We own a house. Unfortunately a tenant committed suicide there.Then it was on rent for 8 years.Now we want to sell the house .is it a offense, not telling the fact about suicide happened before to the buyer?
A:
In Tennessee, the law does not typically require sellers to disclose deaths, including suicides, that occurred on a property. The state's real estate disclosure laws focus mainly on material defects affecting the property's physical condition or value.
Since a past suicide is considered a psychological impact rather than a physical defect, it usually doesn't fall under mandatory disclosure. However, if a buyer directly asks about deaths or suicides in the house, it's important to answer truthfully to avoid potential legal issues for misrepresentation. Voluntarily disclosing such information can sometimes help build trust with potential buyers.
It's wise to consult with a legal professional knowledgeable in Tennessee's real estate laws to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to address any specific concerns related to your property's history. This approach helps safeguard against potential legal issues after the sale.
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