Advise from Tarion- Delayed Occupancy Compensation
I had a spirited conversation with one of the reps, she pretty much tried everything to convince me to change my date. I didn't, and she wasn't too happy.
I don't think it helped when I called her out on this whole mess. The thing I worry about is, they might be ready on Dec 15th, but how ready do they legally have to be? Are we going to be walking into an unsafe construction zone? Who gives the okay?
Delayed Occupancy Compensation
Delayed occupancy compensation up to a maximum of $7,500 is payable:
• If occupancy occurs on a date after the Firm Occupancy Date; or
• If you exercised your right to terminate the purchase agreement due to delay as permitted by the Addendum (e.g. as per the Purchaser’s Termination Period). In this case you are also entitled to a full refund of all monies paid (i.e., deposits, extras and upgrades) plus interest.
Delayed occupancy compensation for living expenses (meals and accommodation) is payable based on a fixed amount of $150 a day for each day of delay until the Delayed Occupancy Date or the date that the purchase agreement is terminated. Receipts for living expenses are not required.
Compensation is also payable for costs incurred by you as a result of the delay (for example, additional moving and storage costs). Receipts for these costs must be provided.
In addition, If your builder fails to give you 10 days notice of an occupancy delay, you will be compensated in the amount of $1,500 ($150 x 10 days).
Making a Delayed Occupancy Compensation Claim
If you are entitled to delayed occupancy compensation, you may make a claim to your builder within 180 days of your occupancy date or the date on which you terminate your purchase agreement. If your builder does not pay your claim, or if you and your builder are unable to agree on the amount of compensation payable, you may make a claim to Tarion during the first year of possession (or up to 365 days after you terminate your purchase agreement). To do so, please complete the Delayed Closing/Occupancy Claim Form and Homeowner Instruction Guide included with the Tarion Homeowner Information Package provided to you by your builder. You may also obtain this form by contacting Tarion at 1-877-9TARION (1-877-982-7466) or by downloading it from this website.
Changing Dates by Mutual Agreement
If your builder asks you to change a date related to the closing of your new home, you should review the provisions of the Addendum. There are special rules for changing dates by mutual agreement and an amendment may result in your waiving compensation that would otherwise be available to you.
Note: As a general rule at least 90 days written notice is required to change a closing date.