Small claims after Closing

[Broomie]

What is the name of your state? Washington

We closed on a Sale of a condo May 2004.
In August we got a call from the buyers that there is smoke damage in the condo that we did not disclose and want us to pay for the cleaning and painting of nearly $4000.00 they waited so long to tell us this because of the wife having heart surgery. They said that they have affidavits to back them their claim and are now taking us to small claims court.

We told them that we have no idea what they are talking about and will not pay for anything. We left that place clean and have never had a fire in the place to cause smoke damage. Which is true? They had an inspection prior to purchase. The inspection was a month prior to closing and they are claiming something could have happened during that time. Nothing happened during that time.

I even talked to them in June and went to the condo to pick up a letter (which I no longer have) that was sent to them by accident in June. Nothing was mention about damage then. (their word against mine though)

I am not sure what they are seeing. Could be dust build up from being near a busy road or possible residue from burning candles. (Most people burn candles). We could not see anything clear to make the claim and left the place with normal wear and tear

Do they have a case against us?
Any advice would be very appreciated.

Thanks

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by Broomie

What is the name of your state? Washington

We closed on a Sale of a condo May 2004.
In August we got a call from the buyers that there is smoke damage in the condo that we did not disclose and want us to pay for the cleaning and painting of nearly $4000.00 they waited so long to tell us this because of the wife having heart surgery. They said that they have affidavits to back them their claim and are now taking us to small claims court.

We told them that we have no idea what they are talking about and will not pay for anything. We left that place clean and have never had a fire in the place to cause smoke damage. Which is true? They had an inspection prior to purchase. The inspection was a month prior to closing and they are claiming something could have happened during that time. Nothing happened during that time.

I even talked to them in June and went to the condo to pick up a letter (which I no longer have) that was sent to them by accident in June. Nothing was mention about damage then. (their word against mine though)

I am not sure what they are seeing. Could be dust build up from being near a busy road or possible residue from burning candles. (Most people burn candles). We could not see anything clear to make the claim and left the place with normal wear and tear

Do they have a case against us?
Any advice would be very appreciated.

Thanks

**A: please state specifically the location and type of smoke damage they are referring to.

[Broomie]

Originally Posted by HomeGuru

**A: please state specifically the location and type of smoke damage they are referring to.

Not sure of the type or the location of the damage they are talking about. I was advised to stop replying to them and not to go on the property to see what they are talking about. This was so I wouldn’t say something they could use against me and in hoping that they would just go away.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally Posted by Broomie

and in hoping that they would just go away.

My response:

Without many more facts that we need from you, I'm hoping for the same thing from you.

IAAL