In Ontario, almost all new homes and pre-construction condos come with a mandatory Tarion warranty. To protect your investment in Mississauga, you must report defects using the MyHome portal within strict 30-day, 1-year, 2-year, and 7-year deadlines, or you risk losing your coverage entirely.
Buying a brand-new home in Mississauga, whether it is a modern condo near Square One or a spacious townhome in Churchill Meadows, is an exciting milestone. However, new builds are rarely perfect. You might discover scratched floors, drafty windows, or even plumbing issues shortly after moving in. 🏡
Fortunately, the Ontario government provides robust consumer protection through the Tarion Warranty Corporation. This provincial body ensures that builders honour their purchase agreements and repair statutory defects. As of April 2026, understanding how to navigate this claims process is essential, as missing a single deadline can leave you paying for expensive repairs out of pocket.
Step-by-Step Process for Tarion Claims in Mississauga
The Tarion warranty process is entirely deadline-driven. Whether you bought from a massive developer or a smaller local builder in Peel Region, the general procedure follows these critical steps.
Step 1: The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
Before you are handed the keys, your builder will walk you through the property for the Pre-Delivery Inspection. You must carefully note any missing items, incomplete work, or visible damage (like a chipped countertop) on the PDI Form. While the PDI form is not an official warranty claim, it serves as vital evidence that the damage existed before you moved your furniture in.
Step 2: Register on the MyHome Portal
Once you close on the house, you must immediately create an account on Tarion’s MyHome online portal. 🖥️ This digital hub is where you will manage all your warranty timelines and submit your official defect forms. The portal will automatically calculate your exact submission deadlines based on your official date of possession.
Step 3: Submit Your 30-Day and Year-End Forms
You have exactly 30 days from your closing date to submit your first official list of defects using the 30-Day Form. If you miss this window, you must wait until the end of your first year to submit the Year-End Form. Be incredibly detailed in these forms, attaching photos and referencing specific rooms in your Mississauga home.
Step 4: Request a Conciliation Inspection
After you submit a form, the builder generally has 120 days to repair the listed items. If the builder ignores you or refuses to fix a valid defect, you must request a “Conciliation” through the MyHome portal before the builder’s repair period expires. Tarion will then send an independent inspector to your property to determine if the defect is covered under the warranty.
What Does the Tarion Warranty Cover?
Coverage is divided into specific timeframes. Knowing what is protected during each period will help you submit the correct forms.
| Warranty Period | What is Covered by the Builder? | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Warranty | General defects in workmanship and materials. | Nail pops in drywall, peeling paint, missing fixtures. |
| 2-Year Warranty | Water penetration and major system delivery issues. | Basement leaks, faulty plumbing, electrical wiring defects. |
| 7-Year Warranty | Major structural defects (MSD) that make the home unsafe. | Massive foundation cracks, significant roof collapse. |
How Much Does it Cost in Mississauga?
Participating in the Tarion warranty program involves some financial considerations, though many costs are rolled into your purchase.
- Tarion Enrolment Fee: This is typically paid by the builder but is often passed onto you in your closing costs (adjustments). It ranges from $300 to $1,500 CAD, depending on the sale price of your home.
- Conciliation Fee: If you request Tarion to step in and inspect a disputed defect, you must pay a fee of approximately $282.50 CAD. If Tarion rules in your favour on even one item, this fee is fully refunded to you.
- Lawyer Fees: If you are buying a new build, a Mississauga real estate lawyer will generally charge $1,500 to $2,500 CAD to review your massive Agreement of Purchase and Sale and manage the closing, including reviewing Tarion appendices.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The builder repair timelines are strictly regulated. Once you submit a 30-Day or Year-End form, the builder has a 120-day repair period. If they fail to fix the issues, you have 30 days to request conciliation. If Tarion determines the builder is at fault, they will give the builder one final 30-day window to make repairs. If the builder still fails, Tarion will either hire their own contractors to fix your home or issue you a direct cash settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if my builder goes bankrupt before finishing the house?
Tarion protects your deposits. As of recent regulations, deposit protection for freehold homes is up to $100,000 CAD, and for condos, it is protected up to $20,000 CAD (plus additional protection under the Condominium Act). You will need to file a deposit claim with Tarion.
Are my appliances covered by Tarion?
Generally, no. Chatels like refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines supplied by the builder are excluded from the Tarion warranty. You must rely on the direct manufacturer’s warranty for these specific items.
Can I hire a home inspector for my PDI?
Yes! It is highly recommended to hire a professional home inspector to accompany you during the Pre-Delivery Inspection. They can spot technical deficiencies in the HVAC or roofing that an average buyer might easily overlook.
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