Buying a new home is one of the most exciting and significant investments you’ll ever make. Beyond design choices and finishes, it’s important to understand the protections that come with your purchase. In Ontario, that protection comes through Tarion Warranty Corporation, an organization that ensures new homeowners are covered under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

Tarion provides peace of mind by protecting homeowners from certain financial risks and construction defects—so you can move in knowing your investment is secure.

Since 2021, Tarion’s responsibilities have been streamlined through a separation with the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA).

• HCRA now oversees the licensing and regulation of builders and vendors.
• Tarion focuses exclusively on administering new home warranties and protecting consumers.

When purchasing a new home, buyers should confirm that their builder is licensed with HCRA and that the home is enrolled with Tarion before signing an agreement. This ensures the home is protected from the very beginning.

Before You Move In

• Deposit Protection – Safeguards your deposit if your builder cannot complete the home or if the purchase agreement is legally terminated.
• Delayed Closing or Occupancy Coverage – Provides compensation if your home is not ready by the agreed-upon date.

After You Take Possession

Coverage is structured in three main timeframes:

• 1-Year Warranty – Covers defects in workmanship and materials, unauthorized substitutions, and items that make the home unfit for habitation.
• 2-Year Warranty – Covers issues with key systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating, as well as water penetration and exterior cladding defects.
• 7-Year Warranty (Major Structural Defect) – Protects against serious structural failures or defects in load-bearing elements of the home.

Coverage limits:

• For purchase agreements signed on or after February 1, 2021, the maximum statutory warranty coverage for freehold homes and condominiums is $300,000.
• For agreements signed July 1, 2023, or later, coverage increases to $400,000 for freehold homes and $300,000 for condominium units.

Completing your Tarion registration and understanding how to manage your warranty is essential for protecting your new home. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Register your new home purchase – Visit Tarion.com and register within 45 days of signing your Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
2. Provide your purchase details – Have your contact information, builder or vendor name, property address and lot number, and deposit amount ready.
3. Receive your Welcome Email – Tarion will confirm your registration and share details about your warranty coverage and support resources.
4. Set up your MyHome account – Follow the link in your welcome email or select the “MyHome” banner on Tarion’s website to access your personal portal.
5. Use MyHome to manage your warranty – Submit forms, track claims, and monitor important deadlines to stay informed and protected.
6. Attend your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) – Walk through your home before closing, note any missing or incomplete items, and ensure they’re documented.
7. Keep a warranty log – Track any issues that arise, including the date, description, and builder’s response.
8. Understand coverage timelines – Familiarize yourself with what’s included in your 1-, 2-, and 7-year warranties so you can address items promptly.
9. Save your paperwork – Keep copies of your warranty forms, inspection notes, and correspondence in case you need to make a claim.

Helpful Tips:

• A real estate lawyer or agent can assist you with the registration process.
• Completing your registration within the 45-day window ensures you’re eligible for full deposit coverage.

Understanding how Tarion protects your new home is an essential part of responsible homeownership. It provides clarity, accountability, and financial peace of mind—so you can focus on enjoying your new space instead of worrying about potential defects or delays.

Your new home represents years of planning, saving, and dreaming. With Tarion’s warranty coverage and HCRA’s builder oversight, Ontario homeowners can move forward with confidence knowing their investment is well protected.

When you choose a trusted builder—like Starward Homes—you’re choosing over a century of craftsmanship backed by a system that values quality, transparency, and trust.

Starward Homes: Building confidence, one home at a time.