What are the three basic categories of misrepresentation?

Asked by: Xander Altenwerth  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 5/5 (4 votes)

The three basic categories of misrepresentation in law are fraudulent, negligent, and innocent, differing based on the speaker's knowledge and intent: fraudulent involves knowingly lying, negligent occurs when care wasn't taken to verify truth, and innocent is an honest mistake believing a false statement is true.

What are the three types of misrepresentation?

There are three main types of misrepresentation:

  • Fraudulent misrepresentation.
  • Negligent misrepresentation.
  • Innocent misrepresentation.

Which is not one of the three basic categories of misrepresentation?

Malicious misrepresentation is NOT one of the three types of misrepresentation. The three types of misrepresentation are fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and innocent misrepresentation. Malicious misrepresentation is not a recognized category within the classification of misrepresentations.

What are the basic elements of misrepresentation?

The four elements of misrepresentation are a representation, its falsity, its material impact, and reliance causing a loss. Types of misrepresentation include fraudulent, negligent, and innocent misrepresentation, each with unique legal remedies.

What are the three types of misrepresentation typically found in real estate?

There are three types of misrepresentations: fraudulent, negligent, and innocent. While state laws can vary, brokers generally have less liability when they unknowingly mis-represent something about a property they are working to sell for their client.

Types of misrepresentation

24 related questions found

What are the 3 P's of real estate?

Pricing, preparation, and promotion. Those are the 3 P's of real estate, and they're an essential element to any property listed for sale.

What are the three major categories of the Realtor Code of Ethics?

following three categories:

  • Duties to Clients and Customers - Articles 1-9.
  • Duties to the Public - Articles 10-14.
  • Duties to Realtors® - Articles 15-17.

What is misrepresentation in real estate?

What Is Misrepresentation in Real Estate? In real estate, misrepresentation is a lie or reckless untruth that affects the market value of a home or property. A common example of this is misrepresenting the square footage of a property.

What is an example of misrepresentation?

For example, if an audit firm is aware that a client will use one of its reports to get a bank loan, the firm will be liable for wrongful misrepresentation if the report contains false information about the client's business. The injured party may rescind the contract or file for damages incurred.

What is the most serious type of misrepresentation?

Fraudulent misrepresentation – this is the most serious and requires the false representation to have been made knowingly, without belief in its truth, or recklessly as to its truth.

What are the three types of mistakes?

Common law has identified three different types of mistake in contract: the 'unilateral mistake', the 'mutual mistake', and the 'common mistake'. The distinction between the 'common mistake' and the 'mutual mistake' is important.

What is the general rule of misrepresentation?

An untrue statement of fact or law made by Party A (or its agent) to Party B, which induces Party B to enter a contract with Party A thereby causing Party B loss. An action for misrepresentation can be brought in respect of a misrepresentation of fact or law.

What is Section 3 of the misrepresentation Act?

Section 3 of the 1967 Act provides that any contractual term seeking to exclude or restrict liability for misrepresentation, or any remedy for misrepresentation available to the representee, must satisfy the reasonable test stated in section 11(1) of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 ('UCTA').

What are the essentials of misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation in law refers to a false statement of fact made by one party, which induces another party to enter a contract. For a misrepresentation to be considered actionable, it must meet specific criteria. Primarily, the misrepresentation must be of a statement of fact, not opinion or future intention.

What type of tort is misrepresentation?

Negligent Misrepresentation is a type of business tort that frequently occurs in real estate, and contract law. Under real estate and contract law, negligent misrepresentation is a civil wrong, meaning a victim of negligent misrepresentation can sue for money damages.

What are the three main types of misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation in law refers to a civil offense where one party makes false statements with the intention of deceiving another, often for personal gain, such as financial profit. There are three primary types of misrepresentation: fraudulent, negligent, and innocent.

Can silence be considered misrepresentation?

Silence or Failure to Volunteer Information

Silence or omission can, however, lead to a finding of fraud or willful misrepresentation if it is clear from the evidence that the alien consciously concealed information.

What is the 3-3-3 rule in real estate?

The "3-3-3 Rule" in real estate typically refers to a financial guideline for home buyers, suggesting monthly housing costs stay under 30% of gross income, saving 30% for a down payment/buffer, and the home price shouldn't exceed 3 times annual income, preventing overspending and building financial security for unexpected costs, notes Chase Bank, CMG Financial, and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Another interpretation, Mountains West Ranches https://www.mwranches.com/blog/3-3-3-rule-a-smart-guide-for-real-estate-buyers, is for buyers to have three months of savings, three months of mortgage reserves, and compare three properties, while agents use a marketing version: call 3, write 3 notes, share 3 resources. 

How to sue a realtor for misrepresentation?

Consult a real estate attorney immediately if you suspect misrepresentation or breach of fiduciary duty. Explore pre-litigation options like demand letters and complaints to licensing agencies before suing. Gather evidence, such as contracts, photos, and witness information.

What is the safest way for a property seller to avoid liability for misrepresentation?

By conducting thorough due diligence, you can avoid passing along inaccurate or incomplete information to potential buyers. Encourage sellers to fully disclose any issues with the property upfront. Sellers must provide full and accurate details about the property's condition, including any known defects or repairs.

What are the 3 C's of Ethics?

The "3 C's of Ethics" vary by field, but commonly refer to Compliance, Consequences, and Contribution in business ethics (following laws/standards, assessing outcomes, and positive societal impact) or Confidentiality, Capacity, and Consent in medicine (patient privacy, ability to decide, and permission). Other versions include Competence, Candor, Confidentiality (legal) or Character, Competence, Communication (leadership).
 

What is the most common complaint filed against REALTORS?

The most common complaints against realtors center on fraud and misrepresentation, specifically failing to disclose known property defects, alongside breach of fiduciary duty, like inadequate communication, lack of effort, or conflicts of interest, with issues like mishandling earnest money, negligence, and failing to recommend essential services (like inspections) also frequently cited in legal actions and ethics violations. 

What is a violation of the Code of Ethics in real estate?

Misrepresentation and Exaggeration

Sometimes, agents unintentionally (or intentionally) misrepresent or exaggerate details about a property, which can mislead buyers. This violates Article 2 of the NAR Code of Ethics, which requires REALTORS® to avoid misrepresentation or concealing important facts.