You could file a civil claim to overturn a home sale if a former or current grow op poses a health and safety risk, and the seller didn’t disclose it. Or you could request compensation for the cost of repairing the damage to your new home. It’s up to the judge if you get the purchase price back, plus legal fees and damages. Interest rates or home prices may go up between the time you file your claim and it’s settled.
Presumably, by the time you view a home, the grow op has moved on. What hasn’t is the widespread damage a grow op causes. Tampering with electrical wiring to bypass utility meters can make the home uninsurable and dangerous to live in. Humidity from installing sprinklers and exhaust fans, and chemicals used to produce drugs can cause allergic reactions.
Buying a former grow op can result in costs for:
- a professional engineer to assess structural damage
- environmental consultant to find toxic mould
- general contractor to make your home safe to live in
- engineering or environmental inspection to confirm it has been remediated.
Asking for a compensatory amount for the difference between what you paid for a grow op home, and replacement property can help you recover financially.