

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca
January 1 2005A few ideas for the MinisterConsumers need more protection Force builders to live up to promises |
At a recent press conference in Toronto, Ontario Consumer Minister Jim Watson revealed that he is a regular reader of this column.![]() In case he is looking for some items to place on his agenda for the new year, here is my personal list of suggestions for 2005: At the very least, offers should be required to contain the floor plans, and clear, simple language outlining a 10-day cooling-off period, maximum dollar amounts for extras not included in the purchase price, the final possible extension date for closing, and the price list for upgrades. Those who buy a condominium conversion, or a house built only on the foundations of the old one, or with only a tiny fraction of the components of the original home, have no warranty protection in this province. Ontario homebuyers deserve better. I would extend warranty protection to buyers of condo conversion projects or a development that includes existing foundations or framework. Then, the purchasers would enjoy the $2,000 Land Transfer Tax rebate, which now applies only to new construction covered by Tarion. Tarion should be controlled by a broad-based board with a statutory mandate to run it in the public interest. The statement or misstatement must relate to a relevant feature of the house, such as the view, physical or structural characteristics, the neighbourhood, services, fixtures, valuation, history or age, title restrictions, or zoning and planning issues. I would introduce similar legislation in Ontario. I would make unit-owner liability insurance compulsory in all condominiums. This means that about 13,000 consumers are buying $4 billion in homes each year from unregulated sales staff. The public deserves better protection in this area. That’s my list. I hope the minister is listening. |
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Bob Aaron is a Toronto real estate lawyer. He can be reached by e-mail at bob@aaron.ca, phone 416-364-9366 or fax 416-364-3818. Visit http://www.aaron.ca
Bob Aaron is a Toronto real estate lawyer. He can be reached by email at bob@aaron.ca, phone 416-364-9366 or fax 416-364-3818.
Visit the Toronto Star column archives at https://www.aaron.ca/columns for articles on this and other topics or his main webpage at www.aaron.ca.