Court Opinion

ID: 9774793
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 18:33:45.457855+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:15.901109
License: Public Domain

*68OPINION ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
Among its grounds for rehearing, appellee Baker complains that we failed to address its two cross-points on appeal. It also says that our disposition leaves unclear the matters to be retried on remand. We write to address these concerns.
The first cross-point complains that the trial court erred in denying rescission of the sale, which Baker sought under the provisions of Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, Tex.Bus. & Com. Code Ann. § 17.50(b)(3) (Vernon 1987). One who seeks to rescind an agreement because of fraudulent representations must show that he relied upon such representations and that the same induced him to execute the agreement. Traders & General Ins. Co. v. Bailey, 127 Tex. 322, 94 S.W.2d 134, 136 (Tex.Comm’n App.1936, opinion adopted). The DTPA remedy of rescission is merely a statutory recognition of the equitable remedy of rescission based on fraudulent misrepresentation. See Schenck v. Ebby Holliday Real Estate, Inc., 803 S.W.2d 361, 366 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1990, no writ).
Baker’s basis for rescission under the fraud and DTPA claims were the purported encumbrances on the title and the failure of Natland to convey submerged lands owned by the state that were shown as being part of the property. There was evidence that Baker relied on the absence of encumbrances; however, we held there were no encumbrances as a matter of law. As to the submerged lands, there was no evidence that Baker relied on representations that the state’s submerged lands were in the tract purchased. There being no evidence of reliance, rescission is not a proper remedy. We overrule Baker’s first cross-point.
By its second cross-point, Baker complains that the jury’s finding of reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees is against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. We have reversed the judgment against Baker and remanded for trial a cause of action for which Baker was earlier awarded attorney’s fees. Our disposition moots this claim of error. We overrule Baker’s second cross-point.
Baker also contends that our earlier opinion is ambiguous as to what cause of action is subject to remand for a new trial. The only issue remaining for retrial is the breach of title cause of action concerning the State-owned submerged lands and related attorney’s fees.
We overrule all motions for rehearing.
NYE, former C.J., not participating.