How can I research a builder?
There are many ways you can research new home builders, including word-of-mouth, online forums, and visits to sales offices, presentation centres, and completed developments. The online Ontario Builder Directory (link to OBD), which is made available by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority, is also a useful resource. As it is regularly updated with data from Tarion, it can provide a good understanding of a builder’s construction activity and warranty track record.
Is the warranty transferable to a subsequent owner?
Yes. The warranty remains with the home for a total of seven years from the original date of possession, and any subsequent owners of a home under warranty benefit from the balance of its coverage.
I’m not the original owner of a home under warranty. What should I do?
Contact us to let us know that you are the new owner right after you take possession. Make sure that you have your purchase agreement and transfer deed handy, as we will need a copy of them to update our files. Once you are registered as the new owner, you’ll be able to sign up for MyHome and access the remaining coverage on your home.
How can I find out if something is covered?
If you have a warranty question about a specific item or situation in your home, you can consult our Construction Performance Guidelines. The Guidelines contain helpful information on the most common warranty items reported to Tarion, and are available in an easy-to-use, illustrated version called Home Explorer (link).
How do I submit a warranty claim?
To make a warranty claim you must submit a statutory warranty form to your builder and Tarion within the applicable warranty period. Click here for more details about warranty forms and submission timelines (link to page with more info). The easiest and most convenient way to submit a warranty form to both your builder and Tarion is by using MyHome (link), our online homeowner portal.
When can I register for MyHome?
You can sign up for MyHome (link) right after you take possession of your new home or occupancy of your condominium unit. You’ll need your enrolment number, which you can find on the Certificate of Completion and Possession/Warranty Certificate provided by your builder.
How do I schedule a Tarion inspection?
If you have submitted a warranty form to Tarion and your builder has not resolved items on it within the warranty repair period, you can request a conciliation through your MyHome account. You can also request a conciliation by contacting us (link to contact page). Keep in mind that there is a limited window within which you can make a valid request for each warranty form, so be sure to submit your request to Tarion on time.
How does the warranty on common elements work?
The common elements of a new condominium development come with their own warranty which begins on the date the condominium corporation is registered. Like the warranty on individual units, it lasts for a total of seven years and is divided into one-, two-, and seven- year coverages. Unlike the unit warranty, however, it is managed by the condominium corporation’s board of directors. For more information about the common elements warranty, visit our Condo Corporations section (link).