Are There Legal Protections When Buying a CT Home As-Is?

 Posted on July 15, 2025 in Real Estate Law

Perhaps you are looking for a bargain in your home-buying endeavors. If so, a home advertised as-is for a substantially lower price can be an appealing option. While some as-is home transactions turn out well, it is essential to recognize the potential legal and financial risks. When a seller lists a home as-is, it typically means they will make no repairs and offer no warranties regarding the home's condition.

Under Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 20-327b), this does not mean you are left completely unprotected, as sellers still have certain obligations regarding disclosures. When you have an experienced Stamford, CT real estate attorney in your corner, you can rest easy, knowing your home-buying experience will go smoothly and that every detail will be carefully scrutinized.

What Are the Differences Between Cosmetic and Structural Concerns in an As-Is Home?

Cosmetic concerns in an as-is home are surface-level imperfections that may affect the home’s aesthetic appeal, but not the structural integrity or safety. Cosmetic concerns could include worn carpets, minor scratches or dents in walls or floors, overgrown yards, small drywall cracks, outdated fixtures, chipped paint, or the need for new paint. These issues can affect the market value of the home, but they can be addressed relatively inexpensively.  

Structural concerns are more severe issues that can potentially compromise the homes’ safety, stability, or ability to withstand loads. Significant cracks in the foundation or walls, sagging or uneven floors, leaning walls, roof damage, water damage, termite damage, or doors and windows that do not close properly are all structural concerns.

 If the purchaser is a building contractor or skilled in repairing structural damage, this may not be a significant concern; however, for most other buyers, structural damage requires extensive and costly repairs. While a seller is usually not obligated to address cosmetic repairs in an as-is sale, they are legally required to disclose any known structural defects. Buyers are accepting the property in its current state, including any structural flaws the seller may be unaware of, so a thorough home inspection is crucial.  

Overview of Connecticut’s Residential Property Condition Disclosure Report

Even in an as-is home, sellers must disclose any structural or hazardous issues that are known to them and that would reasonably influence a buyer’s decision to purchase the property. Known issues pertaining to the foundation, roof, walls, floors, and other structural components, as well as any known hazards such as lead, radon, asbestos, or flood zones, well water issues, and any issues with the heating, plumbing, electrical, or water systems, must be disclosed. Failure to disclose known issues can result in a credit to the buyer at closing.

What Buyer Protections Still Apply in an As-Is Home Sale?

Buyers have the right to conduct inspections and walk away during the contingency period in an as-is sale, just as they do in a "regular" home sale. The buyers have legal recourse if it can be shown that the seller knowingly concealed major defects, particularly if those defects are structural or pose a potential hazard. In extreme cases, the buyers can claim breach of contract or fraud, but only if it can be shown that the seller deliberately concealed information.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Real Estate Lawyer

While an as-is home purchase can save you money upfront, this is only true if you fully understand your rights and the potential risks. Even if the sellers will not budge on repairs, Connecticut law still requires transparency regarding any known defects. A skilled Stamford, CT real estate attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can review the fine print, help you assess inspection results, and protect your interests through closing. To schedule your free consultation, call 203-348-5846.