California Real Estate SalespersonPractice of Real Estate and DisclosuresMedium
Under Civil Code Section 2079, a listing agent's duty to conduct a 'reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection' of a residential property applies to which areas?
- AOnly areas specifically requested by the buyer in writing
- BOnly areas visible from the street
- CAll areas of the property, including those not reasonably accessible such as the roof interior
- DAreas that are reasonably and normally accessible to the agent, excluding areas that are not reasonably accessible
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Areas that are reasonably and normally accessible to the agent, excluding areas that are not reasonably accessible
California Civil Code Section 2079 requires listing agents to conduct a visual inspection of areas that are reasonably and normally accessible, such as walking through rooms and visible spaces, but does not require entering inaccessible areas like attics, crawlspaces without access, or the roof.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The duty is independent of buyer requests and applies as a matter of law.
- B. This is far too limited; the duty extends to accessible interior and exterior areas.
- C. This overstates the duty; inaccessible areas like roof interiors are excluded.
Agent Visual Inspection Duty
Under Civil Code 2079, a listing agent must conduct a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of reasonably accessible areas of a property and disclose material facts discovered.
- Applies to residential 1-4 unit properties
- Covers areas reasonably and normally accessible, not areas requiring special access
- Agent must disclose material defects discovered during inspection
Memory trick: Walk the house, not the crawlspace ceiling — inspect what's reasonably reachable.