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New Home Buyer Protection Act

Alberta's New Home Buyer Protection Act (NHBPA), which took effect in February 2014, reflects the Government's desire to ensure all new homebuyers receive warranty protection, clear expectations and an ownership experience protected from unpleasant surprises. According to the new legsilation:

  • every homebuilder must provide proof of warranty coverage to obtain Alberta building permits
  • a Government-managed registry will provide public access to key dates and specific information about new home warranties
  • At a minimum, the warranty on each new home whose building permit application was submitted after February 1, 2014, will provide "1-2-5-10" coverage

With the Government of Alberta’s introduction of builder licensing on December 1, 2017, residential builders in Alberta are now required to have either a valid builder license or an Owner Builder Authorization (OBA) in order to receive a building permit.

Builder Licensing Process

  • Under the New Home Buyer Protection Act, owner builders must apply to the Registrar for authorization to construct their own home. Owner builders interested in applying for an authorization must follow the Owner Builder Authorization Application Process.
  • If an OBA application receives approval, an authorization certificate will be issued to the owner builder. The authorization allows owner builders to construct their own home, either with or without warranty. Permit issuers are only able to provide the necessary permits if an authorization has been approved.
  • Certificates issued by the New Home Buyer Protection Program for approved OBAs are referred to as “Approved Application for Authorization” or “Approved New Home Registration”.
  • All homes approved for an OBA can be searched on the Public Registry using the legal land description. The Registry provides location information and contact information for the warranty provider, if applicable, including how much warranty coverage remains.
  • Additional information about the OBA process is located on the Municipal Affairs website at www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca.

If you have any further questions, please contact program staff at homewarranty.inquiries@gov.ab.ca, or by phone at 1-866-421-6929.