Second hand Goods

The issues

Given that items are advertised as being second-hand, does the seller need to disclose any defects in them?

The Jewish Perspective

The rules for the sale of second-hand goods are essentially the same as for goods sold as new. If the seller has any knowledge of any defects in the goods, he must notify the buyer. With top-quality new item one would expect the item to be unused and that there be no wear and tear. In contrast, with second-hand goods, by definition there would be normal wear and tear: this would be acceptable and understood as being inherent in the concept of their being second-hand.