What you need to know
When you submit a warranty form to Tarion, it triggers a 120-day initial builder repair period during which your builder should repair or otherwise resolve items on your form that are covered by the warranty.
The Timeframe for making repairs is also known as the Builder Repair Period. This is when the builder will come and inspect the items that need to be fixed, and will schedule trades to come into the home. During this period, the homeowner must provide reasonable access to the builder to address warranty claim items. View the items below for more information on this timeframe.
Exceptions to the standard timeframe for making repairs
Certain parts of your home and situations demand longer or shorter timeframes, such as exterior work and emergency situations. In addition, the 120-day builder repair period does not apply to Major Structural Defect claims.
Learn more about exceptions on our Exceptions to the Warranty page.
What to do if a builder refuses or is unable to make repairs
If your builder is unwilling to resolve your warranty items or for some reason (such as bankruptcy) is unable to perform their warranty responsibilities, contact Tarion for assistance.
Tarion may determine that a builder is unwilling or unable to repair or resolve claim items covered by the warranty. This determination may be based on a number of factors, such as the builder’s financial position, physical abilities, or expressed intentions. Once a builder is determined to be unwilling or unable, Tarion has the discretion to abridge or extend time periods in the statutory claims process and work directly with you to resolve your claim.
What to do if the repairs are not completed by the end of the timeframe
You have 30 days after the end of your builder’s repair period to contact Tarion and request a conciliation*.
*Effective September 14, 2020, homeowners will have a 10-day grace period on the 30-Day, Year-End, and Second Year request for conciliation request for conciliation periods. For more information about these and other interim measures to protect homeowners visit our page on Conciliation to learn more.
When you should ask for Tarion's help
You do not need to wait until the end of the Builder Repair Period to ask for Tarion’s help.
There are other types of assistance that Tarion can provide during the builder repair period. Examples include Early Intervention or Facilitation.
Also, situations may arise in which homeowners may need to have a warranty timeline shortened or extended. The Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act gives Tarion the authority to adjust timelines for requests for conciliation in a limited number of circumstances. For more information, click here.
Roles & responsibilities at this time
Homeowner
Provide reasonable access to the builder to address warranty claim items
Be aware of timelines for requesting a Tarion conciliation inspection
Builder
Resolve items covered by the warranty before the repair deadline
If an item points to a deeper issue, determine its cause and propose a reasonable solution
If the item is not considered to be covered by the warranty, provide an explanation to the owner and be prepared to provide supporting information
Respond to questions from the homeowner
Tarion
Act as a helpful resource to both the homeowner and the builder
If asked, conduct an early intervention meeting or facilitation to help bring about a resolution
Exceptions to the standard timeframe for making repairs
Certain parts of your home and situations demand longer or shorter timeframes, such as exterior work and emergency situations. In addition, the 120-day builder repair period does not apply to Major Structural Defect claims.
Learn more about exceptions on our Exceptions to the Warranty page.
what if a builder refuses or is unable to make repairs
If your builder is unwilling to resolve your warranty items or for some reason (such as bankruptcy) is unable to perform their warranty responsibilities, contact Tarion for assistance.
Tarion may determine that a builder is unwilling or unable to repair or resolve claim items covered by the warranty. This determination may be based on a number of factors, such as the builder’s financial position, physical abilities, or expressed intentions. Once a builder is determined to be unwilling or unable, Tarion has the discretion to abridge or extend time periods in the statutory claims process and work directly with you to resolve your claim.
What to do if the repairs are not completed by the end of the timeframe
You have 30 days after the end of your builder’s repair period to contact Tarion and request a conciliation*.
*Effective September 14, 2020, homeowners will have a 10-day grace period on the 30-Day and Year-End request for conciliation periods. For more information about these and other interim measures to protect homeowners, click here.
Visit our page on Conciliation to learn more.
When you should ask for Tarion's help
You do not need to wait until the end of the Builder Repair Period to ask for Tarion’s help.
There are other types of assistance that Tarion can provide during the builder repair period. Examples include Early Intervention or Facilitation. See "Resolving a warranty dispute" below for a full list of options available to you at this time.
Also, situations may arise in which homeowners may need to have a warranty timeline shortened or extended. The Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act gives Tarion the authority to adjust timelines for requests for conciliation in a limited number of circumstances. For more information, click here.
Roles & responsibilities at this time
Homeowner
- Provide reasonable access to the builder to address warranty claim items
- Be aware of timelines for requesting a Tarion conciliation inspection
Builder
- Resolve items covered by the warranty before the repair deadline
- If an item points to a deeper issue, determine its cause and propose a reasonable solution
- If the item is not considered to be covered by the warranty, provide an explanation to the owner and be prepared to provide supporting information
- Respond to questions from the homeowner
Tarion
- Act as a helpful resource to both the homeowner and the builder
- If asked, conduct an early intervention meeting or facilitation to help bring about a resolution