Seller Refuses to Fix Inspection Issues in Ontario: Your 4 Options

Ontario · Buying Guide

Seller Refuses to FixInspection Issues:Your 4 Options

You have more leverage than you think ↓

Your inspection came back with issues. The seller’s response: “We’re selling as-is. No repairs, no credits.” This is a frustrating but very common scenario in Ontario real estate. As a buyer protected by an inspection condition, you have four clear options — and the right one depends on the severity of what was found.

Accept As-Is and Waive the Condition

If the issues are manageable — normal wear and tear, items near end of life but still functional, cosmetic deficiencies — you can waive the inspection condition and proceed. This isn’t giving up — it’s making an informed decision. Many buyers get attached and see every inspection finding as a deal-breaker. The right question is: “Is this issue significant enough to justify walking away or renegotiating?”

Renegotiate: Request a Price Reduction or Credit

Present the seller with a data-backed request: get actual quotes from contractors for the repairs needed, then request that amount (or a portion) as a price reduction or closing credit. “The roof needs replacement and I have two quotes averaging $11,000 — I’d like a $10,000 price reduction” is far more persuasive than “please fix the roof.” Many sellers who won’t repair will still reduce the price when confronted with real numbers.

Insist on Specific Repairs for Safety Issues

For genuine safety hazards — active gas leaks, electrical fire risks, carbon monoxide concerns, structural failures — buyers can formally request that specific repairs be completed before closing, with documentation provided. Your lawyer can put this in writing. A seller who refuses to address a known safety hazard creates legal exposure for themselves — this adds leverage to your request.

Walk Away — Get Your Full Deposit Back

If the issues are serious (major foundation, widespread water damage, condemned electrical system) and the seller won’t budge, exercise your right to exit within the inspection condition window. Provide written notice before the condition deadline, and your full deposit is returned with no penalties. This is exactly what inspection conditions exist for. Don’t let emotional attachment override sound financial judgment.

Arthur’s Real Client Story

One of my clients discovered the roof needed full replacement. The seller refused to fix it. My approach: we obtained two professional roofing quotes averaging $11,000 and formally requested a $10,000 price reduction in writing. The seller agreed to $8,000 off — my client got their home, the seller closed the deal. Always negotiate with real numbers, not emotions.

Arthur Zhao, Broker

SRS · ABR · MCNE · AZ Real Estate Team

📞 416-888-6161 · arthurzhao.realtor

Inspection Negotiation
Seller Won’t Fix
Ontario Buyer Rights
Walk Away Deal
Home Inspection
Toronto Real Estate

Discover more from GTA Real Estate Broker | Arthur Zhao

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Seller Refuses to FixInspection Issues:Your 4 Options

Discover more from GTA Real Estate Broker | Arthur Zhao

相关文章Related articles

Aurora Highlands vs Bayview Wellington: Which Fits Your Family?

Can You Still Buy a 1980s or 1990s Aurora Home? An Aurora Highlands Buyer’s Guide

Aurora Highlands: Is It the Right Aurora Neighbourhood for Long-Term Family Living?

AZ 房产 AI 顾问