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Original poster

Would you sell your house to a registered sex offender?

160 replies

TiffanyBonj · 25/04/2016 11:36

We've got a big move coming up and thought we had the house all sorted out, we've just been informed by our agency that the possible buyer has disclosed that she is currently registered on the sex offender's list.

I was Shock . She's married with two really young kids, and seemed like a decent person, we don't know what to do now.

Are we allowed to ask her for more information? I don't know anything about the sex offender's registry, are people on their for the rest of their lives? Do you think they can change? Her being on the registry is the only reason we would turn down their offer, their's no way I would ever want to put children at risk, but is that unreasonable?

OP posts:
BadDoGooder · 25/04/2016 12:16

Thefitfatty of course!

If you get caught dogging that too would get you on the register.
Maybe she's a swinger type who got caught "on the job"?

Original poster
TiffanyBonj · 25/04/2016 12:17

Estate Agent didn't act like it was some massive secret, he told us their offer and then causally said 'by the way, so and so is registered'. He didn't know any other details but wasn't bothered at all, do you think he knows more and isn't telling us because he knows he wasn't suppose to?

OP posts:
cjt110 · 25/04/2016 12:17

Ready for a flaming here but, if the estate agents or whoever it was, hadn't told you - would it have made a jot of difference? And tbh, can you be so picky as to not sell because of that?

PennyDreadfuI · 25/04/2016 12:17

It's disgusting that the agency told the OP. Makes you wonder what personal details they might disclose about their other clients. I'd be taking this up with the management if were me.

*she and her DH are willing to pay substantially more than those buyers

This is all that matters. You're selling a house, not protecting all of humanity.*

^This

JaneAustinAllegro · 25/04/2016 12:18

the facts the agent has disclosed it and that she's paying more than anyone else do suggest that it has been an issue with other transactions and therefore it's mroe than an al fresco shag that a dog walker wandered past

JimmyGreavesMoustache · 25/04/2016 12:18

on what legal basis did the agency reveal this to you?
I cannot see why she'd need to disclose to the agency, as her offender manager would be the person who'd have veto over an proposed move. And if she did disclose to the agency, i think they've broken the law by telling you.

Boomingmarvellous · 25/04/2016 12:18

I would ask to speak to her in private and ask the circumstances. I think this is the only fair thing to do in view of your neighbours.

She would be on the SO register if she got drunk and put her hands on someone's bum, which isn't acceptable but it's hardly heinous. You stay on there for quite a few years I believe, even for relatively minor issues.

If you are happy it was something minor ^ don't tell the neighbours as it would blight everyone's lives including her children's.

cjt110 · 25/04/2016 12:19

meant to add - it's not really your business who they are. They want to buy your house. You want to sell. I can see it being a tricky one, but can you be so proud as to turn them down?

Original poster
TiffanyBonj · 25/04/2016 12:19

Don't say that JaneAustin! I've made my mind up to sell, it's her business, don't put doubts in my head.

OP posts:
ParanoidGynodroid · 25/04/2016 12:21

I agree that if she has young children who are allowed to live with her, then it's unlikely that she's been involved in paedophile behaviour.

Perhaps drunken public sex as a student? Unknowingly had a 15 YO boyfriend when she was 18? Probably nothing that would make her a 'danger'. She'd be no more dangerous in your house than anywhere else, in any case.

Itsmine · 25/04/2016 12:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
TiffanyBonj · 25/04/2016 12:22

cjt110 , No I can't afford to turn her down, it won't effect me in anyway, so I think we'll be accepting the offer.

Booming, I don't plan to tell anyone, I don't think I'll ask either, it's not really my business.

OP posts:
99percentchocolate · 25/04/2016 12:22

Can't you be added for public sex too? Maybe she got caught Al fresco?

FlyingElbows · 25/04/2016 12:22

This is a bit leftfield but is it possible your agents has told you this (which I'm almost sure would be a breach if data protection law) to take her out of the running and put someone else at the forefront of your potential buyers? I know it sounds ridiculous but I'm struggling to think why they'd tell you or why she'd have to tell them.

Thefitfatty · 25/04/2016 12:23

Maybe she's confused "disclose to landlord" to "disclose to realtor"?

Otherwise she was under no obligation from what I can tell? Confused

the facts the agent has disclosed it and that she's paying more than anyone else do suggest that it has been an issue with other transactions and therefore it's mroe than an al fresco shag that a dog walker wandered past

Surely if the agent knew what she'd done he would have told the OP? It's not like he's under an obligation to keep it quiet?

MeMySonAndl · 25/04/2016 12:23

I'm going to go against the grain here, sorry. I doubt very much that agencies have access to such information. I work in place where such info need to be checked to safeguard children and there is no chance in hell we would have access to it so freely or manage it in such -relaxed way as your agent did. Simply put, it goes against the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

Are you sure the agency are not trying to make you accept a lower offer from one of their friends? It does happen, although I have never seen an agency do it in such a crass and most likely unfair way.

FatPaul · 25/04/2016 12:23

I wouldn't ask her either, it's nothing to do with you and if she finds out that you know then the agent could be in the shit.

Original poster
TiffanyBonj · 25/04/2016 12:24

Okay, I think I've made up my mind, we'll stick with the sale, she has to live somewhere and it's good money, I definitely won't be asking or telling anyone anything, I think I'll just move.

OP posts:
NotGonnaAnswerThePhone · 25/04/2016 12:26

I wouldn't even think twice. I dont understand why you would?

LurkingHusband · 25/04/2016 12:27

I wouldn't ask her either, it's nothing to do with you and if she finds out that you know then the agent could be in the shit.

Ah, but would that be undeservedly in the shit or not ?

I wonder if slander is still actionable these days ?

cjt110 · 25/04/2016 12:30

Its not your duty to protect anyone Tiffany although I can definitely see it would be tricky. If she has done anything that is serious, thats what probation officers/whatever theyre called are for.

What has the agent told her about you I'd be wondering....?

FatPaul · 25/04/2016 12:30

Good point, it wouldn't be undeservedly Grin

insertimaginativeusername · 25/04/2016 12:32

OP To answer your initial questions you can ask her but she's more than entitled to say no. The agent has breached confidentiality unless she has expressly given permission for that to be shared with you and I can't see why she would want such personal information shared when it is irrelevant to the purchase. the only exception I can think of is if it's in the public arena anyway and she is used to being googled so is being upfront.

People aren't necessarily on the register for life it is dependant on sentence and as others have said it is for all sexual offences.

You will not eligible to apply for information under the Child sex offender disclosure scheme aka "Sarah's Law".

MeMySonAndl · 25/04/2016 12:34

I am very dubious that the buyer had to disclose such information to the agency, and even more dubious that the agency was allowed to share it with the seller.

Mommawoo · 25/04/2016 12:39

Wouldnt prostitution constitute a sexual offence? It could be that she worked as an escort in the past.

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