Tarion

When you buy a resale home, you may still have coverage under Tarion. In Ontario, the statutory warranty on a new home lasts for a total of seven years from the date the original purchaser takes possession, or in the case of a condominium unit, takes occupancy. This warranty stays with the home regardless of how many times it changes hands during those seven years. If you’ve bought a house or condominium that is fewer than seven years old, confirm that you have remaining warranty coverage and follow these steps to make your resale home warranty process simple:

Check Enrollment

Determine if your home is enrolled in the warranty program. Not every new home is eligible for warranty coverage. For example, homes built by their owners are not covered. Neither are buildings that were once used for non-residential purposes but have since been converted to condominium units. To find out if your home is enrolled in the warranty program, call Tarion.

Send Proof of Ownership Change

Once you’ve confirmed that your home is enrolled with Tarion, send Tarion proof of the change in ownership. Next, you need to transfer the warranty to your name by sending Tarion a copy of your purchase agreement, transfer deed, or statement of adjustments. If you’re sending Tarion your purchase agreement, they only require the sections that show the following: a) the change in ownership from the previous owner to you, and b) the agreement has been signed and completed. They’ll send you a confirmation that includes your home’s enrolment number and warranty start date, two key pieces of information that you’ll need in order to register for MyHome.

Register for MyHome

As soon as Tarion updates the records, you’ll be able to register for MyHome, Tarion’s online service for homeowners. Through your MyHome account, you’ll be able to access the warranty history on your home, including any warranty forms that were submitted by the previous owner(s). MyHome will help you stay on top of your remaining warranty coverage by sending you reminders for important deadlines. If you need to submit a warranty form to Tarion, MyHome lets you do it easily and securely online.

Find the Builder

Find out who built your home. It’s important to know who built your home, in case you have any questions or require service. You can find out through your MyHome account. Write down the builder’s customer service contact information, and keep it handy. If you notice a problem with something in your home that is still under warranty, the builder is your first point of contact. Remember, they are the ones who provide your new home warranty.

Educate Yourself

Educate Yourself about your warranty coverage and the warranty process. It’s up to you to make the most of your warranty. Take some time to understand how much remaining warranty coverage you have, what you’re still covered for, and how to make a claim. The best way to do this is to complete the Tarion Learning Hub Modules. Tarion also has a number of other helpful resources, including videos, publications, and social media sites to keep homeowners informed about their warranty. Find these helpful resources at Tarion.com to become an empowered homeowner.