New-Home PDI and Tarion First-Year Forms: An Ottawa Buyer Timeline

Published October 6, 2026 · Meysami Law Professional Corp. · Ottawa

For an Ottawa buyer taking possession of a newly built home or condominium unit, the pre-delivery inspection and the first-year warranty claim process serve different purposes. The PDI records the home's condition before move-in, while Tarion's Initial, Mid-Year and Year-End Forms are used to report warranty items. Confusing the two can leave an issue documented but not formally submitted for warranty service.

Use the PDI to create a careful pre-possession record

Tarion describes the PDI Form as the official record of the home's condition before move-in. Walk through the home methodically, compare selections and included items with the agreement, record missing, damaged or incomplete work, and review the completed form before signing. Keep a copy with dated photographs and relevant communications.

Know what the PDI does not do

The PDI Form is not itself a request for warranty service. Tarion says an item omitted from the PDI does not necessarily lose warranty coverage, but the form can be important evidence where the dispute is whether damage or a missing item existed before possession. If a problem is discovered at possession, document it promptly and notify the builder in writing.

Confirm the warranty start date and register for MyHome

The Certificate of Completion and Possession identifies the home's Tarion enrolment number and possession date, which is generally the warranty start date. Use those details to register for MyHome and calendar the applicable submission milestones. A buyer should also keep the purchase agreement, adjustments, builder contacts and closing documents together because contractual and warranty issues are not always the same.

For current homes, track the Initial and Mid-Year Forms

For homes with a warranty start date on or after May 1, 2024, Tarion's current timeline allows items to be added to the Initial Form beginning one day after possession; it is automatically submitted on day 41 if not submitted earlier. The Mid-Year Form opens on day 42 and is automatically submitted on day 183. Report issues clearly, attach useful evidence and continue giving the builder reasonable access for inspections and repairs.

Treat the Year-End Form as a firm final checkpoint

Tarion's Year-End Form opens on day 183 and is automatically submitted on day 365. It is the final ordinary opportunity to report items covered by the one-year warranty. Tarion describes a 10-day grace period, but a form submitted during that period must be submitted manually and requires written evidence that the items were reported to the builder within the first year. Do not plan around the grace period.

Separate unit issues, common elements and urgent problems

A condominium unit PDI does not cover the corporation's common elements; the condominium board may use a separate common-elements process. Tarion also has exceptions to the regular claim process for emergencies, seasonal work and other situations. If the builder has not resolved a submitted item, review the current builder repair and conciliation timelines rather than assuming the PDI or an email alone started Tarion's formal process.

This article is general information as of October 6, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.