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Regarding the presence of asbestos in a house, what is the seller required to do?

  1. Keep it confidential

  2. Disclose if he knows of asbestos in the house

  3. Remove it before selling

  4. Test the property for asbestos

The correct answer is: Disclose if he knows of asbestos in the house

The seller is required to disclose if he knows of asbestos in the house because of the legal obligations surrounding material facts in real estate transactions. Known as the duty to disclose, this requirement mandates that sellers inform potential buyers about any known hazards or defects, including the presence of asbestos, which poses health risks. This transparency ensures that buyers can make informed decisions regarding their purchases, especially because they may be responsible for remediation costs if asbestos is discovered after the sale. In this context, maintaining confidentiality regarding asbestos is not acceptable if there is knowledge of its presence. Removing asbestos before selling is not a legal requirement; while it is often recommended for safety reasons, it is not mandatory unless specific local regulations apply. Testing the property for asbestos, while a prudent measure, is not the seller's obligation unless they are aware of potential asbestos contamination.