What Happened

Ms. Smith purchased her home from Defendants who performed substantial renovations on the property before the sale was conducted. Soon after moving into the home, Ms. Smith was blind-sided when a city inspector showed up to her door alleging violations of various housing and safety codes. Further inspection revealed that Defendants failed to obtain any of the required permits to perform the renovations on the home. Defendants concealed this fact from Ms. Smith and lied to her about their knowledge of the liability their actions imposed on the property. Now Ms. Smith faces threats of fines and potential jail time due to Defendants’ misconduct.

AI.LAW spotted the following potential claims

1.  Breach of Contract: Ms. Smith can bring a claim for breach of contract against Defendants. This claim may be based on the fact that Defendants failed to obtain the required permits for the renovations, which may be a breach of the sales contract.

2.  Fraud: Ms. Smith may have a claim for fraud against Defendants based on their concealment of the fact that they did not obtain the required permits for the renovations, and their misrepresentation of their knowledge about the liability their actions imposed on the property.

3.  Negligent Misrepresentation: Ms. Smith may also have a claim for negligent misrepresentation against Defendants, based on their misrepresentation of their knowledge about the liability their actions imposed on the property.

4.  Violation of Consumer Protection Laws: Depending on the specific state law, Ms. Smith may have a claim against Defendants for violating consumer protection laws, based on their failure to disclose material information about the property, and their misrepresentation of their knowledge about the liability their actions imposed on the property.

5.  Violation of Housing and Safety Codes: Ms. Smith may also have a claim against Defendants for violating housing and safety codes, based on their failure to obtain the required permits for the renovations, and their misrepresentation of their knowledge about the liability their actions imposed on the property.

6.  Negligence: Ms. Smith may also have a claim for negligence against Defendants, based on their failure to obtain the required permits for the renovations, and their misrepresentation of their knowledge about the liability their actions imposed on the property.

7.  Unjust Enrichment: Ms. Smith may have a claim for unjust enrichment against Defendants based on their receipt of payment for the renovations without obtaining the required permits, which may have increased the value of the property.

Possible Follow Up Questions Include

1.  Can you provide a copy of the sales contract between Ms. Smith and the Defendants?

2.  Did the sales contract contain any provisions regarding obtaining permits for renovations?

3.  Did Ms. Smith receive any documentation or assurances from the Defendants regarding the permits for the renovations?

4.  What specific housing and safety code violations were alleged by the city inspector?

5.  Did Ms. Smith receive any warnings or notifications about these violations prior to the city inspector’s visit?

6.  Did the Defendants make any representations to Ms. Smith about their knowledge of the housing and safety code requirements?

7.  Were there any prior complaints or violations related to the property before Ms. Smith purchased it?

8.  Did Ms. Smith incur any expenses or damages as a result of the alleged code violations?

9.  What evidence does Ms. Smith have to support her claims of fraud or negligent misrepresentation?

10.What is the statute of limitations for the potential claims, and has Ms. Smith taken any steps to preserve her legal rights?