Can the Property Buyers Get Their Deposit Back?

Dear AI, what was the cause of these problems which has implications for home buyers with a "subject to a satisfactory inspection" clause; and, whether home inspectors may have made mistakes or missed something, and whether real estate deposits held in trust can be refunded; and if any danger exists, given EV's are also charged:
LED lights flicker even though $20 AC socket testers say 117VAC or higher and wiring has no faults. The residents are fearful of leaving 18650-lithium battery chargers unattended as custom battery charger settings reverted to default settings when lights flickered. Several outlets now trip circuit breakers when a 600-watt vacuum cleaner is used. Bathroom electric baseboard heater now trips the circuit breaker whereas it was fine previously. An industrial circuit analyzer indicates, (1) 21% voltage drop at 10A in a GFI outlet, (2) no voltage from "N to E", (3) 160VAC peak, (4) 12% voltage drop at 8A in a GFI outlet, (4) 6% to 8% voltage drop at 5A in a GFI outlet, (5) 0.42 ohms "Z to L" in a GFI outlet, (5) 0.20 ohms "Z to E" in a GFI outlet, (5) 0.42 ohms "Z to L" in a GFI outlet retest.
A bedroom ceiling light and hallway lights with two-way switches no longer work. The house is approximately 10 years old and is presumably subject to BC, Canada building codes. IR thermography shows hotspots on the breaker panel. Electric outlets that are closest to the circuit breaker panel trip when a vacuum cleaner or 900-watt hair dryers are used; whereas electric outlets furthest away -- and are equipped with surge suppressors -- that are rarely used, do not trip their circuit breakers.
Testing performed by Rob's Worldwide Stairlift Repairs, text 604-512-9567 in Vancouver Canada.

### 💰 **Can the Buyer Get Their Deposit Back?**
It depends on:

1. **The wording of the inspection clause**
- If the inspection report didn't uncover these issues, and the buyer is now facing **major electrical safety concerns**, they may have grounds to invoke the clause and request release from the contract.

2. **Whether the seller knew or should have known**
- Evidence of recurring tripping, flickering lights, or hot panels could imply the seller was aware or should have disclosed.

3. **Local real estate laws in BC**
- In British Columbia, deposits held in trust by a real estate brokerage **can be released or refunded** if both parties agree, or if a dispute resolution process (such as arbitration through the Real Estate Council of BC) determines it appropriate.

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### ⚡ **Part 3: Is There Any Danger — Especially With EV Charging?**

Absolutely — and this is critical.

#### ⚠️ Risks Include:
- **Fire hazard** due to overheating wires or loose connections.
- **Damage to EV chargers** and vehicles, especially if plugged in during voltage fluctuations.
- **Risk of electric shock** due to unstable ground/neutral conditions.
- **Potential code violations** (especially regarding GFCI protection and grounding integrity).

> **If EV charging is being done on this system, stop until a licensed electrical contractor fully investigates and repairs the system.**

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### 📝 Final Thoughts & Recommendations:

- This house requires a **full electrical re-evaluation by a licensed electrician** using professional-grade diagnostic tools.
- Consider hiring someone who specializes in **power quality analysis**, **infrared thermography**, and **load testing** — not just a general contractor.
- Buyers should consult with their real estate agent and possibly a lawyer to explore options for **deposit refund or renegotiation**.
- Sellers should consider fixing these issues before resale — otherwise, they risk legal exposure and reduced marketability.

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If you’re in Vancouver or BC and need expert diagnostics and repair services, Rob's Worldwide Stairlift Repairs also offers **specialized electrical troubleshooting** for mobility devices and residential systems alike.

📞 Text Rob’s team today: **604-512-9567**

#ElectricalSafety #VoltageDropHazard #HomeInspectionFail #BCRealEs