Full question:
Disclosure of a suicide in our home. The suicide occurred six months before we bought the house. The real estate company and former owner told us her husband died of cancer in the hospital. Were they required to tell us the truth about our home?
- Category: Real Property
- Subcategory: Seller's Disclosures
- Date:
- State: West Virginia
Answer:
In some states, sellers must disclose deaths, including suicides, to home buyers. However, laws vary by state. In West Virginia, there is no law requiring disclosure of a suicide in a home. If you suspect the seller misrepresented the situation, it could be evaluated in court based on the facts. For instance, if you asked about the cause of death or indicated it was important to your decision, that may influence the court's view on whether the seller's actions affected your choice or the home's value.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.