Death in the unit

[Miho Y.]

Help. I don't even know if this is the correct category but here goes... Recently purchased a duplex in Los Angeles county, after COE, I was just told by a tenant whom I inherited from the seller that there was a death inside another unit. The person died for cancer. During the inspection, I specifically asked verbally if there was any death in the unit,however, the seller and the agent said no. Now going through the purchase contract paperwork I signed, I realized I did not receive the disclosure from this agent. This tenant is telling me she witnessed the dead body as she discovered the body with the seller when they both went in together. So I purchased DiedInHouse.com, but no record showed. I know as a landlord, I must disclose that there was death occurred to the new tenant, at the same time, I would like to go after the seller for lying to me. Could I have any advice on how I can go about this? How can I obtain an official death record to confirm that there was indeed the death inside the unit in order for me to inform the new tenant and accused the seller? Thank you.

[Eric Dowling]

@Miho Y. The sellers do have to disclose a death on the property. You are going to need an attorney for this one  if you wish to pursue the seller. As far as proving someone died there you will have to do some digging if you don't know the name or anything. Your lawyer can help you there as well.