Buying a home is a significant investment, and discovering undisclosed defects after the purchase can be frustrating and costly. Sellers are required to disclose known material defects in the property. However, if you find yourself in a situation where the seller failed to disclose issues, there are steps you can take to protect your interests. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine if you have a potential case.
What to Know About Seller Disclosure Requirements
In Illinois, the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act mandates that sellers provide a disclosure report to potential buyers. This report should include information about material defects that the seller was aware within the home or on the property. For example, a seller must disclose if they are aware of recurring basement flooding or if there are cracks in the foundation that they have attempted to repair. Some common areas that need to be disclosed include flooding, foundation or structural issues, roof defects, electrical or plumbing problems, and the presence of toxic substances such as radon or lead.