Message to Vendors: Be honest about condition.

Anyone trying to sell their leaky home has been warned to front up and be honest after a court victory which saw a buyer awarded $407,000. Susan Pezaro, a Weathertight Homes Tribunal adjudicator, has just made the large order against the vendors of the Auckland house.

Now, Arran and Michelle Slater have to pay Richard and Hayley Tabram $407,343.14 after selling them 89 Pacific Parade, Army Bay, Whangaparaoa. The house had been fixed at huge expense to the Tabrams.

Tim Rainey, the Tabrams' lawyer, said the case sent a message to all owners of leaky homes who thought they could keep quiet about the issues.

"This is a warning to all those people just how wrong selling can be. The thousands of people with leaky homes might think it's better to just sell and not find out how bad things are.

"This case highlights how that can be the very worst thing you can do because you end up exposing yourself to significant liability."

The case was heard in February and March, and the decision is one of the largest from the tribunal.

To read the full NZ Herald article click here

Posted: 27 Apr 2009

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