Buyer wants money three months after closing for garbage, pest removal, and legal fees
We closed on our home about three months ago and recently got a letter from the buyer’s lawyer asking for money for three things. Prior to this we had heard nothing from them and thought the transaction was cut and dry.
Garbage removal and a list of what we left. Some miscellaneous things we forgot (it was a hectic crazy cross-provincial move) including recycling/garbage on the porch (in bags), some wood in the shed, and some miscellaneous small things like a mop we forgot. They claim there was over 1 tonne of garbage left which honestly baffles me. We did have a cleaning service clean the inside but forgot some food in the cupboards and the fridge wasn’t fully cleaned. There was a clause about leaving the house in reasonable condition with all garbage and chattel out. While I personally think the buyers are being petty here (the previous owners left way more to cleanup when we bought), I can see the annoyance and it’s in the contract and we’re willing to pay that portion to make it go away. It wasn’t intentional or malicious on our end, but we did leave some things and we can deal with that.
This is the big one. They claim they found several large, living mice and dead mice around the property signalling a mice infestation and had to pay for pest removal, which is the bulk of the bill. We lived at the property for several years (with two cats who would have absolutely noticed mice) and never had an issue with mice in the house. No signs of infestation, no droppings, no noises, etc. I don’t think this is reasonable at all. They also waived the inspection in their offer.
They are asking us to cover a portion of their legal fees. As they made no prior attempts to contact us before going to their lawyers (e.g. through our realtors) I don’t think this is reasonable either.
The letter says the number asked is a one time “take-it-or-leave-it” offer and that their client understands that they may incur additional fees to go after us for this, despite “their inclination to do so”.
We have until a certain date to respond or else the lawyer says their client has instruction to proceed with action against us, including associated interest and legal fees.
I’ll be speaking to our lawyer and realtor soon, but wanted to get a sense of how valid their claims are here and some other perspectives.