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What Type of Warranties Must Be Provided by a Builder?

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Real Estate Professionals
Taimoor Qureshi
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December 15, 2022
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In a previous blog post, we outlined the details of what is covered under Tarion Warranty when purchasing a new-construction property from a Builder.

We often get inquiries from purchasers stating that they are buying a property from a “small builder” and are not sure what type of warranty coverage is being provided.

Our strong recommendation is NOT to purchase a property from a Builder unless there is sufficient proof that the Builder is registered and licensed under Tarion and the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.31 (the “ONHWP Act”).

In the event you do find yourselves in a binding agreement to purchase a property from a Builder that is not registered with Tarion, there are statutory warranty provisions under the “ONHWP Act” that may be of use to you.

Every builder of a new home must provide the purchaser with the following representations and warranties as per section 13(1) of the ONHWP Act:

(a) That the home:

  1. (is constructed in a workmanlike manner and is free from defects in material,
  2. is fit for habitation, and
  3. is constructed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code;

(b) That the home is free of major structural defects as defined by the regulations; and

(c) Such other warranties as are prescribed by the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. O.31, s. 13 (1).

This warranty is valid for one year from when it takes effect and is enforceable even if there is any agreement to waive the rights to same!

Please feel free to contact one of our lawyers should you have questions about this topic.

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Taimoor Qureshi
Junior Partner
tqureshi@kormans.ca
About
Taimoor

Taimoor’s practice areas include Commercial law; Commercial Leasing; Corporate law; Mortgages; Residential Real Estate; and Wills and Estates.Taimoor was called to the Bar of Ontario and joined Kormans LLP in January 2019.Prior to joining Kormans LLP, Taimoor articled and clerked for boutique law firms where his exposure to residential and commercial matters from beginning to end helped develop his knowledge and skills in the aforementioned areas of la.

Taimoor is a strong believer in efficient client communication and does his best to keep clients as up to date as possible along all steps of a transaction.In his spare time, Taimoor is an avid follower of all major sports and enjoying the outdoors during the summer months.

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