When Condominium Legal Standards Are Violated
A condominium conversion is a complex process that goes far beyond apartment renters becoming homeowners. These buildings are often 20 to 30 years old and littered with original construction defects. These defects must be identified and repaired prior to the formal changeover.
Disclosure of the Defects is Required By Law
Many converted condominiums are sold without the required disclosures. In California, Civil Code §1134 governs what disclosure is required when a unit is converted from an apartment to a condominium.
California Civil Code § 1134 states that:
As soon as practicable before transfer of title for the first sale of a unit in a residential condominium …, which was converted from an existing dwelling to a condominium project … the owner or subdivider … shall deliver to a prospective buyer a written statement listing all substantial defects or malfunctions in the major systems in the unit and common areas of the premises, or a written statement disclaiming knowledge of any such substantial defects or malfunctions. The disclaimer may be delivered only after the owner or subdivider has inspected the unit and the common areas and has not discovered a substantial defect or malfunction, which a reasonable inspection would have disclosed.
"Major systems" includes, but is not limited to, the roof, walls, floors, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems or components of a similar or comparable nature, and recreational facilities. Any person who willfully fails to carry out the requirements of this section shall be liable in the amount of actual damages suffered by the buyer.
Take Immediate Action to Secure the Damages You Deserve
As a seasoned construction defect attorney, I represent condominium buyers who have discovered serious and undisclosed problems with the building they purchased.
I help condominium owners recover damages for repair costs, relocation and storage expenses, personal property damage, serious injuries, and allowable attorney fees. When defects are noticed after the fact, you must take immediate action to hold the seller or the condo management accountable. Contact my Orange County office at 714-919-4366 or toll free at 866-605-0023.
Not just any attorney can take on this complex and specialized area of the law. I bring a thorough and contemporary knowledge of construction standards and practices as it relates to condominium conversions.
Contact Me
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced lawyer regarding defects discovered prior to a condominium conversion, please contact me at 714-919-4366 or toll free at 866-605-0023.
