Damage during open house

[fire1ss]

What is the name of your state? NJ during an open house visit i opened a fireplace door to look inside. As the fire place on the 2nd floor was sealed I wanted to see if this run was operational. As I opened the door the whole frame (not just the door) came forward and knocked a peice of ornament off of the front of the masonry. It appeared that the mortar had dried out. The realtor is now calling harrassing me to pay for repairs. Is this something I am responsible for legally? This area of the home should be able to be inspected during an open house. The agent did not say not to go near it and there were not notes that it should not be touched. It was not personal property of the owner it is part of the home. Am I legally responsible?

 

[FlyingRon]

If they wished to pursue the matter, I suspect they could prevail.

Just because there is an open house doesn't give you the right to go ripping into things. If you wanted to know if
the fireplace worked, you should have asked. Even if you were able to successfully open the door, it wouldn't have
answered your question.

 

[VeronicaLodge]

I find it hard to believe you would be responsible, the owner of the house opened the house to you, they are lucky you weren't hurt by the door, frame, or ornament. if the realtor calls you back, tell her the ornament hurt your foot and you want to know what the homeowner is going to do about it.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? NJ during an open house visit i opened a fireplace door to look inside. As the fire place on the 2nd floor was sealed I wanted to see if this run was operational. As I opened the door the whole frame (not just the door) came forward and knocked a peice of ornament off of the front of the masonry. It appeared that the mortar had dried out. The realtor is now calling harrassing me to pay for repairs. Is this something I am responsible for legally? This area of the home should be able to be inspected during an open house. The agent did not say not to go near it and there were not notes that it should not be touched. It was not personal property of the owner it is part of the home. Am I legally responsible?

**A: you should have asked before proceeding, nonetheless you are not liable for the damage.