Hello everyone,

My husband and I rented a home in South Carolina from a real estate agent. Upon viewing the home, we noticed the grass was not cut, the inside walls were dirty, the carpet was dirty, and the place was just filthy.

The real estate agent advised us that the residence was such as mess, because the prior tenant got into some legal trouble, and the owners had to move items suddenly.

My husband asked about owner information. The real estate agent stated the home was owned by an elderly couple who did not have money for updates. She stated this couple was trying not to lose this home.

My husband and I agreed to move into the home. We spent almost $200.00 getting the grass cut. The real estate agent stated it was going to be done and never was. We spent 400-500 dollars on paint, and supplies to paint the interior of the home. Because the real estate agent stated the owner was elderly, and could not afford any updates. We paid to install additional cable jacks.

We did all these updates because the real estate agent stated the couple was elderly, and not able to afford much.

After we moved in, several things happened with inconsistences from the real estate agent, which caused the rental company to decrease our rent by $50.00. The rental company also included a write up in this agents file. Again, due to inconsistent information given concerning the home.

After being in the home for five months we RECENTLY found out the owner of the home is in jail, convicted of sexual misconduct; amongst other things.

This was in direct conflict with what the real estate agent stated to us when we agreed to move into this property.

We found HUNDREDS of pornographic magazines, a substance in a jar, and a ventilator in the attic. We were advised to give these items to the police. We do not feel safe in this home.

The real estate agent stated she did not know who the owner was; however, on her listing paperwork she has the owner's name, and his parents names are listed as Power of Attorney.

The realty estate company is advising us we can break this lease.

What are my rights in recovering monies invested into this home, based on the real-estate agents lies?

Did the real estate agent breach the leasing contract by misrepresentation of the property?

Thanks for any help,

Cass

I don’t know about whether or not the Realtor breached some sort of ethics violation, but it appears to me that the repairs performed on the house were repairs that you decided to do on your own volition. Unless you can prove that there was some sort of contract or promise of reimbursement, or that you conducted the repairs according to state repair and deduction laws (If S. Carolina has them), then I think you may be out of luck. See a realty attorney if this is something you wish to pursue.

Thanks for that reply.

My husband and I did agree to do the updates, based upon the information given by the real estate agent.

If we had been given the correct owner information, we would not have moved into the residence. Let alone, update anything.

We asked the real estate agent specific questions concerning this property. We asked specific questions, because the real estate agent stated "the prior tenant went to jail". The real estate agent assured us that the "tenant", did not have any ownership in this home. Come to find out, the "tenant", is the "owner".

Can a real estate give misleading information when asked direct questions concerning property?

We have numerous emails of the real estate agent's inconsistencies.

Thanks again,