Owner dragging feet on repairs

[Abigail Helfer]

New to investing, and this will be my first deal.

My husband and I are in contract for a duplex. It is a good deal for us and the home inspection went relatively well. There is only one problem and that is mold in the attic. We had it inspected by a mold specialist who advised that it was a very severe case of mold due to the lack of ventilation in the  attic. He said that it is severe, but easily remediated. He advised that once the ventilation is improved and the mold removed, the issue will be resolved. The owner has agree to fix the problem since it is a health hazard and not something we can buy in this condition ( I don't even think a bank would lend on this)? Nor do we want something with mold.

We were excited that he agreed to fix it, however, he has been dragging his feet getting as estimate of his own and getting repair work done. He is not going with the specialist we found, and wanted to shop around. We had no issue with that.. but we originally went into contract the week in November, and had an estimate done within a few days of finding the issue. It is now March, and he still doesn't have an estimate and no repairs are on the schedule for the near future.

I am curious what our rights are in this situation. We are happy that he will fix it, but shouldn't there be some sort of time line in place for this?  Every month we don't own the place is lost income potential, and the chance for the owner to slack on maintenance. He moved to Hawaii, and I doubt he will be spending much time upkeeping this place, especially because he has a buyer on the line.

What would your advice be on this situation? The tenants do not know about the mold at all, and that  is something else to consider. I am assuming it is not legal to hide something like that from them like he is?

Thank you!

Abby