The Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act (ONHWPA) is a provincial law in Ontario, Canada, that provides warranty coverage for new homes built by licensed builders in the province. The law was first enacted in 1976 and has since been amended to strengthen consumer protection measures and to reflect changes in the homebuilding industry.
Under the ONHWPA, all new homes built in Ontario by licensed builders must be enrolled in a warranty program administered by one of two designated warranty providers: Tarion Warranty Corporation or another warranty provider approved by the Ontario government. The warranty coverage includes protection against defects in workmanship and materials for up to seven years after the completion of construction.
The ONHWPA also establishes a dispute resolution process to help homeowners and builders resolve disputes related to warranty claims or other issues that arise during the homebuilding process. The law requires builders to provide homeowners with a written contract, disclosure statement, and other relevant information before starting construction, and outlines the responsibilities of both parties in the construction process.
In addition, the ONHWPA requires builders to be licensed and registered with the province, and establishes a licensing and enforcement regime to ensure compliance with the law. Builders who violate the ONHWPA can face penalties and fines, and may have their license suspended or revoked.