Citation. 356 Mass. 42, 247 N.E.2d 708, 1969 Mass. 659
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Defendant Carrie Annino sold a multi-family apartment with eight apartments to Plaintiff Apostolos Kannavos, knowing that the building had been converted into apartments without a building permit and in violation of the city zoning ordinance. Defendant never disclosed this fact to Plaintiff.
Synopsis of Rule of Law.
While a party is not required to speak at all regarding a transaction, if he does speak, he must speak honestly and divulge all material facts bearing on the point that lie within his knowledge.
Facts.
Defendant purchased a one-family dwelling, which she converted into a multi-family dwelling with eight apartments without obtaining a building permit and in knowing violation of the city zoning ordinance. Defendant decided to sell the building and employed a real estate broker, who placed newspaper ads representing the building as an investment rental property. Plaintiff saw an ad and decided to purchase the property without the aid of an attorney. Defendant and the real estate broker knew that Plaintiff bought the building to rent the apartments. He did not know of the zoning or building permit violation, and he would not have bought the building if he had. Shortly after Plaintiff took possession of the building, the city began legal proceedings to abate the nonconforming use of the building.
Issue.
Can Plaintiff rescind the contract for the purchase of the building?
Held.
Yes. A seller of real estate is not required to disclose defective conditions in the real estate. However, if the seller elects to make representations, he must disclose all material facts. In the present case, Defendant, through her real estate broker, listed the building as a rental property knowing that it did not comply with the city zoning ordinance. The fact that Defendant chose to say anything about the character of the property leads to the requirement that what is said cannot be deceptive or fraudulent. Hence, Plaintiff may properly rescind the contract.
Discussion.
If a seller chooses to speak, it must be a complete representation. No half-truths, deceptive, or misleading statements are permitted. However, there is no duty to disclose any defects in the condition of the real estate at all; only a duty to give complete information when any information is given.
