I’m having a hard time finding a comparison to the scenario I’m dealing with to help me understand my rights. I’m supposed to be closing on a home TOMORROW but during the final walkthrough this evening discovered that during the process of replacing the septic system (a requirement in the purchase agreement before closing) the septic company removed all of the shrubbery as well as one of the only trees in the backyard. There was also a simple fire pit area that no longer exists at the back of the yard.
The yard was a huge selling feature and now all of the landscaping is essentially gone or changed.
I’d also inquired in advance and was told that the new weeping bed for the septic would not need to be raised higher than the existing slopes in the yard and that it would blend it with the landscape. This is also not true and now there’s a giant “hump” in the back third of the yard that literally blocks some of the view and is no longer usable yard area. It’s not right at the property line but also close enough that the space between the back side of the “hump” and the property line also isn’t usable.
What are my rights here? What’s reasonable to request?
Editing to add that the property is located in Ontario, Canada.
Trees and shrubs removed during septic replacement before closing
byu/alltheflorals inRealEstate
Posted by alltheflorals
5 Comments
Nope! I would very strongly suggest that if they want to close it must be fixed.
((*I hate the word demand*))
But honestly, don’t close until it’s fixed or have money held in escrow until it is fixed. That is completely unacceptable and I would be on the phone with your agent 5 minutes ago.
Might as well cancel.
They installed a mound septic system field.
I’m worried about your statement “was told”. What exactly do the inspection request and reply specify in writing?
Whoever told you that it would look the same was talking out of their hat.
Shouldn’t be growing anything in or near the leaching field. Your lack of understanding does not overcome the contractual obligation to give you a well constructed and operating septic system.