The Housing Consumers Protection Act- another a brick in the wall…

According to the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, builders are required to rectify ‘major structural defects’ that occur in houses that they have built within at least five years from the date that the housing consumer takes occupation, despite any agreement between the parties. A ‘major structural defect’ is a defect that affects the structural integrity of a house and is so severe that the house (or part of the house) has to be rebuilt or have extensive repair work done to it.

Similarly, builders are also required to rectify any deviation from the terms, plans and specifications of the agreement or any deficiency related to design, workmanship or material if the home owner notifies the builder at least three months from the occupation date. Any provision in a building agreement that excludes or waives the protection granted to housing consumers by the Act is prohibited and will be considered null and void.

If a housing consumer notifies the home builder and the complaint is not adequately addressed, the housing consumer may approach the National Home Builders Registration Council for compensation, provided that the defect occurred in a newly built house. This way, all housing consumers will be protected against poor workmanship.