Property tax not paid for 4 years (total $8,000) by previous owner as of closing date! Who is responsible?

[Nir]

Hi All,

Whose respopnsibility is it now to pay the property tax - the new owner or the previous owner who did not pay property tax for 4 years? Also, is it possible that 4 years debt to the city (total $8000) did not go to collection?? Was it the responsibility of the lawyer represeting the new owner to enusre there is no such debt or at least clearly inform the new owner of the issue prior to having him sign the closing documents?

THANKS.

 

[GarthChapman]

As I understand it, at least in Alberta, the Purchaser`s lawyer must bring this to their client`s attention and to ensure it is cleared up at the time of purchase. Generally the system is structured so the Purchaser is protected in these things, as they are not expected to be expert - that is why you hire a lawyer to represent you.

I would be really surprised if this got by everyone on a purchase. Generally the municipality would have registered the arrears on the title to ensure they would be paid in the event of a sale.

Hope that helps,

 

[Nir]

Thank you Garth for the valuable input!

Regards,
Neil.