- The logic behind splitting first-year reporting into two forms is timing.
- The 30-Day Form is generally understood as the earlier of the two submissions, intended to capture defects you identify shortly after taking possession — building on whatever was already…
- The Year-End Form is generally understood as the later submission, intended to capture items identified across the remainder of your first year — including issues that only became…
New home buyers in Ontario aren't just entitled to Tarion warranty coverage — they're expected to actively use it, on a schedule. Two forms, generally known as the 30-Day Form and the Year-End Form, are the standard mechanism for reporting defects during your first year of coverage. Miss the window for one, and items you'd otherwise be entitled to claim can be harder to pursue later.
Here's how the two forms generally differ, and why Ontario's Tarion process uses two instead of one.
Why Two Forms Instead of One
The logic behind splitting first-year reporting into two forms is timing. Some defects show up almost immediately after you move in — a door that doesn't close properly, a fixture that wasn't finished. Others only become apparent after living in the home through different seasons, or simply take longer to notice. A single reporting point early in the year would miss the second category; a single reporting point at the end of the year would leave early issues unresolved for months. Two forms, submitted at different points, are meant to catch both.
The 30-Day Form
The 30-Day Form is generally understood as the earlier of the two submissions, intended to capture defects you identify shortly after taking possession — building on whatever was already noted at your pre-delivery inspection, plus anything you discover in the initial period of living in the home.
Because this form is submitted early, it tends to capture items that are easiest to point to clearly: finishing issues, functional problems with fixtures and appliances installation, and similar early-occupancy items.
The Year-End Form
The Year-End Form is generally understood as the later submission, intended to capture items identified across the remainder of your first year — including issues that only became apparent with time, seasonal changes, or extended use (a leak that only shows up during heavy rain, for example, or an HVAC issue that only surfaces once you've run the system through a full season).
This form is your opportunity to catch everything that wasn't already reported on the 30-Day Form, before your first-year warranty period closes out.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 30-Day Form | Year-End Form | |
|---|---|---|
| General timing | Earlier in your first year of occupancy | Later in your first year of occupancy |
| Purpose | Captures early, quickly identifiable defects | Captures items found over time, including seasonal issues |
| Builds on | Items noted at your PDI plus early-occupancy discoveries | Everything not already captured on the 30-Day Form |
| Submitted through | Tarion's MyHome portal | Tarion's MyHome portal |
Because exact submission windows and current deadlines are managed through your MyHome account and can be time-sensitive, confirm the specific dates that apply to your home directly with Tarion rather than relying on a general description.
What Happens If You Miss a Form
Missing a form's window doesn't necessarily mean every related item is permanently lost, but it does put you in a weaker position — some issues may fall outside what you can still claim, or may need to wait for a later warranty period (if they qualify at all) rather than being addressed promptly. If you think you've missed a deadline, the right move is to check your MyHome account and, where the stakes are meaningful, get advice rather than assuming the door is closed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to submit a form even if I haven't found any defects?
Requirements can vary, so confirm directly through your MyHome account whether a form is expected even with nothing to report — don't assume silence is the safe default.
Can I submit items after the Year-End Form deadline has passed?
This depends on the specific item and how long past the deadline you are. Some issues that would qualify under a later warranty period (like Year 2) may still be pursued through that route — but items specific to Year 1 reporting can be harder to recover once the window closes.
What's the difference between what I noted at my PDI and what goes on the 30-Day Form?
Your PDI notes are about the state of the unit before you move in. The 30-Day Form is a separate, formal submission that captures issues identified in the period after you've taken possession — including items from your PDI that weren't already resolved, plus anything new.
Should I involve a lawyer with these forms?
Most homeowners submit routine items directly through MyHome without a lawyer. Where a claim is disputed, a deadline has been missed, or a significant issue is involved, legal advice can help you understand your realistic options.
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