As the government of Ontario aims to address the province’s housing crisis, practices may decide to venture in the realm of residential projects for the first time. Getting familiar with the role of Tarion may help support their client by having better understanding of new home warranty plans and associated stakeholders and processes.
Tarion is a not-for-profit consumer protection organization established by the Ontario government to administer the province’s new home warranty program. By law, all new homes built in Ontario are provided with a warranty by the builder. Tarion’s role is to ensure buyers of newly built homes in Ontario receive the coverage they are entitled to under their builder’s warranty.
The Ontario government, through the Ministry of Consumer Services, has empowered Tarion to administer and enforce the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and Regulations. The Act and Regulations are amended periodically and describe the new home warranty plan, including the coverage and the requirements for builder and vendor registration and enrolment of homes.
The HCRA and Changes at Tarion
Changes were made to Tarion’s mandate in 2021. As of February 1, the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) was designated as the new regulator of home-builders and vendors in Ontario. This means the HCRA is now responsible for home-builder and vendor licensing, competency, complaints, and conduct; it is also responsible for hosting the Ontario Builder Directory (OBD).
Tarion continues to administer the statutory warranty program under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, including administering warranties and protections for the purchasers of new homes and assisting with dispute resolution between new home buyers and builders. You can find more information on the changes on Tarion’s website or by visiting the HCRA.
Registrar Bulletins
In line with the launch of HCRA, Tarion has revised its former Builder Bulletin framework. Some bulletins have been discontinued as being outdated or redundant, others have been realigned to provide clearer information, and there are some new bulletins.
These new Registrar Bulletins have replaced the former Builder Bulletins, and all Builder Bulletins were discontinued as of February 1, 2021. You can find the full list of Registrar Bulletins here.
Stay Updated on Tarion
Tarion provides newsletter updates on changes and other relevant information. If you wish to receive these updates, use the following link to sign up.