The Ontario new home warranty: what is covered and for how long
What the statutory warranty actually covers, and the deadlines that decide whether you can use it.
Updated
Most new homes in Ontario are subject to the statutory new-home warranty framework. Confirm builder licensing, home enrolment, eligibility and exclusions; do not assume every purchase or issue is covered.
For an eligible enrolled home, Tarion describes broad one-, two- and seven-year warranty periods. Coverage, exclusions, limits and deadlines depend on the issue and current rules. Verify builder licensing with HCRA and enrolment with Tarion.
The coverage periods
| Period | Broadly covers |
|---|---|
| One year | Defects in work and materials, and compliance with the building code. |
| Two years | Water penetration, electrical, plumbing and heating delivery systems, exterior cladding, and health and safety code violations. |
| Seven years | Major structural defects. |
Beyond defects
- Deposit protection up to the applicable statutory limit
- Compensation for delayed closing or delayed occupancy where the builder fails to meet the contractual dates and notice requirements
- Protection against substitution of items promised in the agreement
Deadlines matter more than coverage
Claims follow defined forms and reporting windows. Missing a deadline can affect coverage; ask Tarion about the applicable process and any exceptions. Document everything at the pre-delivery inspection, keep dated photographs, and diarise the submission dates as soon as you take possession.
Warranty rules and limits are set by regulation and change periodically. Confirm current details with the administering authority and your lawyer.
Create a warranty evidence file
Keep the agreement, addendum, inspection record, photographs and dated correspondence together. Different protections have different eligibility and claim procedures.
The one-, two- and seven-year categories describe broad scope, not coverage of every defect. Consult Tarion for exclusions and current limits.
| Decision check | Evidence to collect |
|---|---|
| Is the home enrolled and is the builder licensed? | Record the answer, document reference and follow-up owner before committing. |
| Which current form and reporting window apply to the issue? | Record the answer, document reference and follow-up owner before committing. |
| Does the claim concern workmanship, delayed closing or deposit loss? | Record the answer, document reference and follow-up owner before committing. |
Your next step for Valley Brooke Towns
Use the published home format and size range to decide whether to request more detail. Tenure, model-specific pricing, deposits, floor plan drawings and contractual dates remain unknown. A review request does not reserve a home, and a booked VIP review time does not either.
- Keep a dated document checklist for the subject covered in this guide.
- Ask a qualified professional to review transaction-specific legal, tax or financing questions before signing.
Common questions
Is the home enrolled and is the builder licensed?
Verify builder licensing through the Home Construction Regulatory Authority and home enrolment through Tarion; do not assume a project rendering establishes coverage.
Which current form and reporting window apply to the issue?
Ask Tarion which current form, deadline and evidence apply to the specific issue. Different protections have different processes.
Does the claim concern workmanship, delayed closing or deposit loss?
Workmanship, delayed closing or occupancy, and deposit loss have different coverage and claim requirements. Identify the issue and confirm the applicable Tarion process.
Sources and further reading
- Tiffany Park Homes — Valley Brooke Towns
- Tarion — pre-possession and deposit coverage
- Tarion — warranty coverage, limits and reporting
- HCRA — Ontario Builder Directory