What obligation does Seller A have regarding a deck added without a permit when selling her house?

When Seller A is selling her house and has a deck added without a permit, she has an obligation to advise the buyer of this situation. Disclosing the fact that the deck was built without a proper permit is essential to ensure transparency in the transaction. This disclosure allows the buyer to make an informed decision, as they may need to consider potential risks or costs associated with the deck.

Failing to disclose this information could expose Seller A to legal consequences if the buyer later encounters issues related to the deck, such as inspections or possible fines from the city for building code violations. It also reflects the principle of good faith in real estate transactions, where all parties are expected to act honestly and transparently.

While there could be various approaches a seller might take if a situation like this arises, the ethical and often legal obligation is to inform any potential buyers about modifications made to the property that do not have the proper permits, which in this case, involves the deck. This allows buyers to understand any implications for their property usage or value connected to the unpermitted structure.