Expert: Sue Bernstein - 12/5/2008

Question
If I put my house up for sale do I have to disclose a Nasty Neighbor who fights with other neighbors?  I was told that was the same as having mold or a hidden leaky pipe that cannot be seen .   Also does an HOA increase or decrease the value when you go to sell.   Thank you

Answer
Dear Bill,

This is a very difficult one to answer. I don't believe the fact that someone is nasty is a disclosure issue or that they have gotten into fights with others. If the fights create a noise issue you should disclose it or if the police were called you should disclose or the fights were physical.  I would have a concern about the nasty neighbor finding out about the disclosure and coming back at you for defamation of character. Why don't you throw this question out to an attorney on this site and see what they say.

Hope this helps.

Sue Bernstein