New Protections Coming for New Home Buyers and Owners

As part of the overhaul to the Ontario new home warranty and protection program, effective July 1, 2021, new protections are being introduced for buyers and new home owners in Ontario.

The Ontario government will introduce a Code of Ethics regulation for builders and vendors of new homes which will require them to operate in a professional and financially responsible manner without intimidation or coercion. In addition, the regulation will establish a Discipline Committee to address complaints about a builder’s or vendor’s violation of the Code of Ethics.

Changes will also be made to Tarion’s dispute resolution process which are aimed to simplify new home warranty and protection claims for owners.  The changes provide for more transparency from Tarion and require Tarion to participate in mediation where a home owner disputes Tarion’s assessment of their warranty claim.

For additional information on these changes and the Minister’s announcement, please see the news release.