Toronto – A tip from the public about a home under construction has led to an illegal building conviction for an unregistered Toronto-based builder under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. Forest Hill Home Builds Inc. was fined $6,250 by the Ontario Court of Justice in connection to the home located at 48 Celt Avenue in Toronto.
Under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, new home builders and vendors must be registered with Tarion and enroll their homes in the new home warranty program. Most new homes are entitled to warranty coverage if they have been unoccupied prior to sale and are less than seven years old.
On January 29, 2019, Tarion charged Forest Hill Home Builds Inc. with not being registered as a vendor/builder and failing to enrol a new home in the province’s new home warranty program.
On January 29, 2020, the company pleaded guilty to the charges. The presiding Justice of the Peace, Habte Worku, accepted the guilty plea and levied a fine of $6,250 plus a 12-month probation order. Under the probation order, Forest Hill Home Builds Inc. is prohibited from committing the same offence, a similar offence, or any offence that is punishable by imprisonment. Also, they must appear before the court when required and notify the court of any change of address.
The Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act protects the rights of home buyers. Builders or vendors who violate the Act can be prosecuted.
If consumers want to report a concern with their builder, they can call 1-877-982-7466, or send an email to investigations@tarion.com.
For more information, please email: media.inquiries@tarion.com