Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

Which of the following describes a latent defect?

1. A defect that can be seen with an untrained eye.

2. A defect that affects property aesthetics but not functionality.

3. A hidden defect not easily discoverable by a non-specialist.

4. A defect disclosed by the property seller.

5. A defect affecting only the landscaping.

6. A defect that must be repaired by the buyer before purchase.

The correct answer is: A hidden defect not easily discoverable by a non-specialist.

The correct answer identifies a latent defect as a hidden imperfection in a property that is not readily apparent to a non-specialist or an untrained individual. This type of defect can often go unnoticed during a typical property inspection, potentially leading to significant issues for the buyer after the purchase. Latent defects can include problems such as structural issues, mold behind walls, or hidden plumbing problems, which require a professional's expertise to discover. Understanding that latent defects are not visible without specialized knowledge highlights their distinction from other types of defects that can be easily seen or assessed. For example, visible defects that an untrained individual can see do not qualify as latent because they are identifiable without special skills. Similarly, defects affecting only landscaping or disclosed by the seller do not encapsulate the essence of what makes a defect latent.