Who is responsible for any damage caused by a tenant moving out before buyer possession, according to the Utah approved Real Estate Purchase Contract?

The seller is responsible for any damage caused by a tenant moving out before buyer possession according to the Utah approved Real Estate Purchase Contract. This stipulation is in place because, during a property transaction, the seller retains ownership of the property until the transfer of title is complete and the buyer takes possession. Therefore, any issues or damages that arise during this interim period fall under the seller's responsibility. This ensures that the property is in an acceptable condition for the buyer upon taking possession, which is essential for maintaining trust and integrity in the real estate transaction process.

The other roles, such as the buyer, real estate agent, and property manager, do not bear the same level of responsibility for the condition of the property until after the sale is officially concluded. The buyer is purchasing an interest in the property and should not be liable for damage that occurs while the seller still retains ownership. The real estate agent acts as an intermediary and does not own the property, and while property managers oversee the rental process, their responsibilities end when the property changes hands.