Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

A landlord's failure to disclose a latent defect could result in what type of liability?

1. Negligence

2. Justifiable eviction

3. Financial loss

4. Market value depreciation

The correct answer is: Negligence

A landlord's failure to disclose a latent defect can result in negligence because negligence involves a breach of duty that leads to harm or injury. In this context, landlords have a responsibility to inform tenants about issues that are not readily apparent or visible, which could affect the safety or usability of the property. If a latent defect exists and the landlord does not disclose it, they may be failing to uphold their duty to the tenant, who could suffer harm or financial loss as a result. In cases of negligence, the injured party may be entitled to damages if they can prove that the landlord's lack of disclosure directly contributed to their damages. This can include physical injuries or financial repercussions stemming from the undisclosed defect. Acknowledging the landlord's duty to disclose such defects helps protect tenants and ensures property safety standards are maintained. Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not directly capture the legal implications associated with the landlord's failure to disclose. Justifiable eviction pertains to the reasons a landlord can evict a tenant, and financial loss or market value depreciation, while possible consequences of undisclosed defects, do not specifically reflect the legal implications of the landlord's negligence in this scenario.