Ohio Court Affirms Judgment for Homebuyers But Rejects Punitives

CANTON, Ohio - An Ohio appellate court has affirmed judgment for homebuyers who complained that sellers concealed mold problems, but the court also affirmed the lower court's denial of punitive damages. Nichols v. Petroff, No. 2004CA00271 (Ohio App., 5th Dist.).

Keith and Jill Nichols sued Tim and Deborah Petroff for fraud after discovering basement water leaks and plumbing problems soon after purchasing the Petroffs' home. The trial court found for the sellers on the alleged concealment of plumbing problems, but awarded the Nicholses $7,408 after finding that fresh paint on the basement walls was for the purposes of concealing mold …