Does the Tarion warranty transfer to me if I buy a home that is still within the warranty period?

Yes, the Tarion new-home warranty runs with the home, not with the original buyer. If you purchase a home that was built recently enough to still be within one or more of the Tarion warranty periods, the remaining coverage transfers to you automatically upon closing.

This is one of the advantages of buying a resale home that is relatively new — particularly one within the 2-year building-envelope or 7-year structural warranty period. Confirm the original possession date with the seller so you can calculate exactly which warranty periods remain.

When purchasing such a home, ask the seller for all Tarion documentation: the original warranty certificate, any claims that have been filed or resolved, the PDI form from the original buyer, and any Tarion field officer reports. This history tells you what issues have already been identified and whether the builder resolved them to Tarion's satisfaction.

You should also register with Tarion as the new owner through the MyHome portal after closing. This ensures that Tarion has your contact information and that you can access your claim history online. A real estate lawyer familiar with new-construction resale transactions can help ensure you receive and understand all relevant Tarion documentation before you complete the purchase.