Final answer:
Steven, the current homeowner, is typically liable for the cost to seal the well on his property in Minnesota, unless a prior agreement, undisclosed issue, or state program suggests otherwise.The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liability for repairs and alterations to a property typically falls on the current homeowner. In this case, Steven, who purchased the home five years ago from Janine, is responsible for the property and any issues that arise with it post-purchase unless there was a prior agreement or disclosure issue.
In Minnesota, as in most states, the standard is that property purchased is 'as is' unless otherwise specified in the contract.If Janine knew about the well and did not disclose this to Steven at the time of sale, and if the law required her to disclose such information, there could be grounds for Steven to challenge the costs.
However, this would require legal action and it is dependent on the terms of the sale and local laws regarding property disclosure. Otherwise, maintenance and repair issues such as sealing a well found after the purchase would generally be the responsibility of the current homeowner, which in this case is Steven.
It is unlikely that the state of Minnesota would be liable for such costs unless there is a specific program that provides funding for environmental or safety issues related to properties. Without such a program or unless the well presents a broader public health or environmental risk that implicates state agencies, the state would not usually bear the cost of sealing the well.