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I think Lawless is "most certainly" in the right here. After owning tons of houses apartments etc --I know all about water damage.
Firstly- if the pipes were in "good shape" when the new owner took possession, then it's the "new owner's" responsibility to keep the ambiant air temperature warm enough for the pipes not to freeze - right ??? I mean a new owner could take possession, and try to save on heating, letting the temperature drop below freezing, and then water pipes will "split" and you'll have water pouring in "all over"-could cause huge amounts of damage $$$.
EXAMPLE - where I live - a window basement window came loose, and opened on it's own by a slight wind. It was - 28 Celcius outside, and that cold air blew in from that window that was ajar, and the pipe to the washing machine split. There was water all over the place. In about 5-8 minutes about 3 inches high all over the basement.
Very lucky I was home when it happened !!! - shut off the water main "right away."
How could Gary be responsible ?? when he turned possession over, and the water carrying pipes were all in good order ??? I don't see it.
I cannot see the courts recinding the sale of the property, when the new owners were not keeping up the heat to the proper temperature, to prevent pipe damage. It looks from reading this article, that's what happened ??? There must be more to this