Trying to keep this story short but not leave out anything.
I purchased a house for sale by owner in August of 2025, I was told by other investors in the area always have the septic system checked, so I paid the local health department to inspect the propertys' septic system.
The previous owner 'got' the report and said it passed everything, so I said great and proceeded with the purchase. The whole trust but verify went out the door here, definitely a mistake on my part.
Fast forward to today, we are having several septic issues, and I decided that I would have to bite the bullet and replace it all, we went to get a soil sample done and when the tester spoke with the county Health department, they said that they actually condemned the septic system in the house back in August (when the report was done) and that it needed to be addressed prior to selling the house.
Basically the previous owner lied to me about it, because she probably didnt want to lose the sale.
We did everything at a lawfirm/title company, I am wondering if there is any chance of me suing her since she blatantly lied, it is all in a Email string.
I am working with the firm to get all the documents that I signed and I am working with the health department to get the official report that I paid for prior to buying.
Canton IL is where the property is located (Fulton Co)
TIA
Previous Owner Potentially Lied about Septic System
byu/Short_Ad3957 inrealestateinvesting
Posted by Short_Ad3957
3 Comments
You need to contact an attorney.
Definitely lawyer up. That email chain is pure gold for a nondisclosure suit.
As others said, attorney up. Document everything with the seller and the Health department. Seller lied.