3 Things to know about Defects Liability Period (DLP)

When you purchase a TV, computer, washing machine, dryer, etc from an electronics store such as Courts or Best Denki, the product usually comes with a warranty of 1 or 2 years, depending on the cost of the product. Nowadays, some stores provide consumers with an option to extend the warranty from the standard warranty period of 1 or 2 years up to maximum of 5 years. The cost of extended warranty depends on the cost of the product. Whether it is worth the cost or not is another question.

In the case of the purchase of a property, the warranty period is known as Defects Liability Period (DLP). Under the law, Developers only need to provide up to 12 months of warranty. Some Developers unofficially provide a warranty of up to 18 months.

1. Warranty Coverage

What does this warranty of 12 months cover? It covers all the internal defects that owners encountered in their new house. Hence, any internal defects should be firstly reported to the Developer/ Main Contractor through the Management Agent  (MA) or directly to the Developer/ Main Contractor. As the Developer has appointed a MA during this period, any defects reporting will be directed to the MA. Any defects that is not reported during the DLP may not be attended to as the warranty will be deemed to have expired.

2. Which is the most important Warranty to take note of?

There is a whole set of warranties provided by the Developer which will be handed over to the MA. However, the most important Warranty that the owner needs to take note of is a warranty any seepage arising from external sources such as the wall or window or the rooftop to the internal unit. This warranty is most important as it directly impact you as the owner. The warranty usually have a validity of 10 years. You need to check with the MA to confirm on this point.

3. What if you have renovated?

One of the main issues owners will have is that the defect is discovered after the home renovations are completed. In this case, the Developer / Main Contractor will claim that it is the owner's contractor who caused the damage and not a defect done by the buioding construction.

Hence, it is always wise to engage a professional such as a Building Surveyor to conduct and inspection and record down any defects during the DLP or it may be used as a form of dispute if any claims are made earlier. Like all warranties, there is an expiry date that owners have to take into account.

For more information on Defects Inspection, you may refer to this article by clicking on the link below.