Expert: Matt Heisler - 6/8/2011

Question
Hello
I sold my home in Calif 1 year ago.
I forgot to mention in the transfer disclosure statement about the bedroom security bars not having a release latch.
The bedroom has 1-Bored-up window no security bars and 1 window with security bars that have no latch to open.
This is oblivious and the new owners must know this after 1 year
I contacted the realtor and not getting any help.
Is there a statute of limitations and how long is it ?
Thanks,
Jack

Answer
Hello Jack-

This  is basically a legal question for a California attorney.

But if I was to take a crack at it:

A) Typically disclosure forms by sellers are incomplete.
B) Typically buyers must do their own due diligence and inspection(s)  (although I know it is common in CA for the seller's to do home inspections.)
C) You don't mention in your e-mail what the problem is, other than you forgot to mention it.  But that is not a significant problem.
D) A statue of limitations refers to how long you could be prosecuted after a crime has been committed.  But there's no criminal offense here, and no lawsuit mentioned.

So, not sure what the big deal is at this juncture.

Matt