When a buyer takes possession of a property before closing, they have the obligation to maintain the property. This responsibility typically includes ensuring that the property remains in its original condition and that no damage is incurred while the buyer is in possession. It reflects a duty of care, meaning that the buyer must act as a reasonable person would when taking care of a property that they do not yet legally own but are temporarily occupying.
This obligation is crucial because if the buyer fails to maintain the property and damages occur, it could lead to disputes with the seller and potentially impact the closing process or the final price. The buyer is responsible for protecting the property's value until ownership is transferred, and maintaining the property helps ensure that the seller is not adversely affected by actions taken by the buyer during this interim period.
Other options, such as making all repairs, having no obligations, or renovating the property, either place undue responsibility on the buyer or do not align with the typical legal expectations of a buyer in possession prior to closing.