Disclosed Foundation Leak - Is there a statue to charge previous owner for problems

[rpt8080]

What is the name of your state? Missouri

The previous owner of the house I bought disclosed that he repaired a foundation leak, installed a new sump pump, and transferred the repair warranty to me. About 10 months later, another leak appeared in a different spot, do I have grounds to sue the previous owner for not disclosing all the foundation problems? Is there a time frame in which I have to pursue legal action against them?

[las365]

What makes you think the previous owner was aware of the leak that didn't manifest itself to you until 10 months after the sale?

What did the holder of the repair warranty say when you contacted them?

[Ozark_Sophist]

Previous owner disclosed the problem. Unless you can prove previous owner was aware of foundation leak in the new area, you will not be successful in a court.

[rpt8080]

The repair company came out and installed a new drain tile on the opposite wall (at my expense of $2,200) and tied it into the drain tile they installed a year prior. I don't know how I can prove the previous owner was aware and decided not to fix it or disclose it, but my neighbor said he told him about leaks on the side of the house where the new problem exists. Unfortunately, I found after I closed on the house, moved in, and met the guy next door.

Am I even within limitations to pursue any legal action?

[wyett717]

Being that the previous owner disclosed the one leak, I would be suprised if he was trying to hide anything. If he was trying to be deceptive, he probably would not have disclosed anything at all.

Since you were aware of at least one leak, that indicates an imperfect foundation, so further problems shouldn't be too much of a suprise...unfortunately!