Blog > Tarion Warranty Beyond Year One: How Markham New-Build Buyers Miss Two-Year and Seven-Year Claims
Tarion Warranty Beyond Year One: How Markham New-Build Buyers Miss Two-Year and Seven-Year Claims
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What does the Tarion warranty cover after the first year in Ontario
Most new-home buyers focus on first-year forms, but Tarion’s coverage runs longer. The two-year warranty covers water penetration, defects in electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems, and Building Code violations that affect health and safety. The seven-year warranty covers major structural defects, such as problems with load-bearing elements. Claims are made through Tarion’s forms: a Second-Year Form any time in year two, and a Major Structural Defect Form any time after year two and no later than seven years from possession. Missing a window can mean losing coverage, so put the dates in your calendar on the day you move in.
The Three Layers of Tarion Coverage
| Period from possession | What it covers |
|---|---|
| One year | Defects in workmanship and materials, unauthorized substitutions, Ontario Building Code violations, and fitness for habitation |
| Two years | Water penetration, defects in electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems, and Building Code violations affecting health and safety |
| Seven years | Major structural defects, which affect load-bearing elements or materially affect how you can use the home |
The warranty clock starts on your possession or occupancy date, which is shown in Tarion’s MyHome portal.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, reminds buyers of new homes in communities such as Cornell and Markham Centre that the warranty is part of what they paid for, and it only helps if claims are filed on time.
Tarion’s Claim Forms and Timelines
| Form | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial Form | Items can be added from day 1; automatically submitted on day 41 |
| Mid-Year Form | Items can be added from day 42; automatically submitted on day 183 |
| Year-End Form | Items can be added from day 183; automatically submitted on day 365, with a short grace period |
| Second-Year Form | Any time during the second year; more than one form is allowed |
| Major Structural Defect Form | Any time after the second year, and no later than seven years from possession |
Timelines are from Tarion’s claim forms page. Confirm your own dates in MyHome, because the schedule depends on your warranty start date.
What to Watch for in Year Two
- Water penetration: stains on ceilings or walls, damp basement corners, leaks around windows and doors after heavy rain.
- Plumbing: leaks in supply or drain lines, poor drainage, or fixtures that lose pressure.
- Electrical: circuits that trip repeatedly, outlets that stop working, or flickering that an electrician traces to the wiring.
- Heating: rooms that will not heat properly or ductwork issues in the distribution system.
Many of these show up only after a full cycle of seasons, which is why the second year matters so much.
Bought a new home in Markham in the last few years? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 for a referral to an inspector before your next Tarion deadline.
Recognizing a Possible Major Structural Defect
Major structural defects are less common but far more costly. Warning signs that deserve a professional look include:
- Large or widening cracks in the foundation, especially with water entry.
- Floors that slope noticeably or doors and windows that start to bind.
- Sagging beams, joists or roof lines.
- Cracks in load-bearing walls that grow over time.
Not every crack is structural. Concrete shrinkage cracks are common. A home inspector or structural engineer can help you decide whether to file, and photos with dates help track changes.
Working With the Builder and Tarion
- Report in writing through the correct Tarion form, and keep copies.
- Allow access for the builder to inspect and repair. After submission, the builder generally has a 120-day repair period.
- Request conciliation if warranted items are not resolved. Tarion inspects against its Construction Performance Guidelines. A refundable deposit applies.
- Keep records of every email, visit, photo and repair.
Condo Owners and Resale Buyers
Condo unit owners have unit warranties, while the condo corporation handles claims for the common elements, such as the roof, exterior walls and parking garage. Owners should ask whether the board has completed its common element performance audit and claim.
If you buy a newer home on resale, the remaining Tarion coverage generally stays with the home. Ask the seller for their MyHome records and any open claims before you firm up. For pre-construction closing issues, see occupancy vs. closing in Ontario.
Why Owners Miss These Claims
- Assuming the warranty ends after year one because the first-year forms get the most attention.
- Waiting for the builder to fix something informally, without filing the form before the window closes.
- Not knowing the start date, especially when occupancy and final closing happen months apart in condos.
- Treating early signs as normal settling and only noticing a pattern after the deadline.
- Selling or renting the home and losing track of who is watching the dates.
A short note in your calendar for each window costs nothing and protects coverage worth far more.
A Calendar Checklist From Move-In Day
- Day 1: register in MyHome and note your warranty start date.
- Month 11: walk the home with a checklist and finish the Year-End Form.
- Month 20 to 23: book an inspection and file a Second-Year Form if needed.
- Year 6: have a structural check if you have noticed any warning signs, before the seven-year window closes.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before your coverage windows close.
Next Steps
- Buying a home in Markham: new and resale homes with the right checks.
- New construction in Markham: projects and what to know.
- Occupancy vs. closing: for pre-construction buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tarion’s two-year warranty cover?
Water penetration, defects in electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems, and Ontario Building Code violations that affect health and safety.
What is a major structural defect under Tarion?
A defect affecting load-bearing elements, or one that materially affects how the home can be used. Coverage lasts seven years from possession.
When can I file a Second-Year Form?
Any time during the second year after possession. Tarion allows more than one Second-Year Form.
What is the deadline for a major structural defect claim?
The Major Structural Defect Form can be submitted any time after the second year, and no later than seven years from possession.
Does Tarion coverage transfer to a new owner?
Remaining coverage generally stays with the home. Ask the seller for their MyHome records and any open claims before buying.
What if the builder does not fix a warranted item?
You can request conciliation. Tarion inspects the item, and if it is warranted and the builder does not repair it, Tarion may step in.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps buyers of new and newer homes in Markham understand what their warranty covers and when to act. That includes connecting owners with inspectors and reviewing warranty records when a newer home is bought on resale. The goal is to protect the value of your home and your peace of mind.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Own a newer home in Markham?
Michael John Lau can help you understand your warranty timeline and what it means if you plan to sell.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Warranty coverage and form timelines are from Tarion and a summary by Nihang Law, as available on October 13, 2026. Confirm your own dates and coverage in Tarion’s MyHome portal. Michael John Lau is not a lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or mortgage professional. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional about your own situation.