Once you've signed your letter of satisfaction (your "happy letter"), day-to-day home maintenance becomes your responsibility. However, your NHBRC warranty still covers you: minor defects for three months, geysers/stoves/roof leaks/electrical/plumbing for one year, and major structural defects for five years. This guide breaks down exactly what's covered, what voids each warranty, and how to lodge a complaint with the NHBRC if Central Developments doesn't resolve an issue.
What Happens After You Move In
The moment you sign your happy letter, the responsibility for home maintenance shifts to you as the homeowner. That doesn't mean you're unprotected, Central Developments' warranty cover, backed by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), continues to apply for defined periods depending on the type of defect.
What's Covered in the First Three Months
The following are covered as part of your property repair services from Central Developments for the first three months after occupation:
- Cracks
- Window and door adjustments
- Any defects not caused by misuse or alterations
What's Covered in the First Year
In your first year, Central Developments will repair the following, provided the issue wasn't caused by misuse or alterations:
- Geyser and stove (1-year warranty): Covers general defects but excludes geyser element burnout. Any work done on your geyser or stove, including third-party repairs, will invalidate this warranty.
- Roof leaks (1-year warranty): Covers the roof structure only. This warranty excludes storm damage, roof coverings (like tiles), fascias, and barge boards. Moving tiles for repairs, or altering the roof in any way, voids this warranty.
- Electrical (1-year warranty): Covers the electrical installation but excludes globe replacements. Any changes to the electrical installation will invalidate this warranty.
- Plumbing leaks (1-year warranty): Any work done or changes made to the plumbing will invalidate this warranty.
Find out what to do when you need emergency repair services.
Want to know how your solar geyser works? Visit A Homeowner's Guide to Your Solar and Electric Geyser.
Learn more about After occupation inspection and repairs.
The 5-Year Structural Warranty
Your home's structure carries a 5-year warranty through the NHBRC. As with the other warranties, any structural work or alterations you make will void this cover.
What is the NHBRC and Why Does it Matter?
NHBRC certification exists to protect your interests as a housing consumer and to hold home builders to the standards set out in the Home Building Manual, regardless of your home's size or value. This includes protecting you from:
- Substandard houses
- Poor workmanship
- Inferior quality materials
The NHBRC operates under the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998). Its mandate includes:
- Representing housing consumers through warranty protection against defects in new homes
- Regulating the home-building industry
- Protecting consumers where builders fail to meet their obligations under the Act
- Establishing ethical and technical standards in home building
- Improving structural quality industry-wide
- Promoting housing consumer rights and providing consumer information
- Supporting home builder registration under the Act
- Training and inspecting home builders to maintain technical standards
NHBRC Requirements Before You Lodge a Complaint
Before submitting a claim, make sure you've met these NHBRC requirements:
- Notify Central Developments in writing of any complaints within a reasonable timeframe.
- Keep copies of all correspondence between yourself and the builder.
- Allow reasonable access to the property for inspection or repair.
- Ensure all financial obligations to the builder have been met.
How to Lodge a Complaint with the NHBRC
You can lodge a complaint if:
- Central Developments doesn't respond within the specified period.
- The builder fails to honour its obligations.
- There's an unresolved dispute regarding the builder's liability.
Documents you'll need:
- Proof of occupation date (municipal occupation certificate)
- Proof of notifications sent to the builder within the required timeframe
- A complete list of the disputed terms as notified to the builder
Steps to follow:
- Download and complete the NHBRC's complaint form via their online services portal.
- Lodge the complaint with supporting documentation at your nearest NHBRC provincial customer service centre, or email your nearest provincial office.
- The NHBRC will initiate its dispute resolution process.
The NHBRC ensures builders rectify:
- Minor defects within three months of occupation
- Roof leaks within one year of occupation
- Major structural defects within five years of occupation
Visit www.nhbrc.org.za or call their toll-free number: 0800 200 824 for more information.
FAQs
How long is my NHBRC warranty valid for?
Cover varies by defect type: minor defects for three months, geyser/stove/roof/electrical/plumbing issues for one year, and major structural defects for five years.
Does the warranty cover storm damage to my roof?
No. The 1-year roof warranty covers the roof structure only and excludes damage caused by storms, as well as roof coverings, fascias, and barge boards.
What voids my geyser or electrical warranty?
Any work done on the geyser, stove, or electrical installation, including repairs by third parties, will invalidate the relevant warranty.
Who do I contact if Central Developments doesn't resolve my complaint?
You can lodge a complaint directly with the NHBRC via their online portal, provided you've first notified Central Developments in writing and met the other NHBRC requirements.
Does the warranty cover globe replacements?
No. The electrical warranty specifically excludes the replacement of globes.
