The NHOS has been introduced as part of the Building Safety Act 2002. It provides a free adjudication process to deal with complaints from homeowners relating to poor building work in new build homes.
Currently there are a variety of warranty providers, codes of practice and complaints procedures for new build homes. The intention is to provide consistency with a New Home Quality Code (NHQC), so that all homeowners have their complaints dealt with in the same manner. Complaints can be made up to 2 years after completion of the purchase of a new build home.
If the adjudicator upholds the homeowner’s complaint, then the Ombudsman has the right to require the developers to:
- make an apology;
- provide an explanation
- rectify the issue
- pay compensation or goodwill payment (up to £75,000), and/or
- take some other action as the Ombudsman may specify.
The majority of developers have already announced they have registered or are registering with the NHOS. There is currently no requirement for developers to register, however it is expected to be made compulsory in due course. As soon as a developer activates their registration, all customers who reserve a new home from that developer will be covered by the NHOS and NHQC.
How Pinney Talfourd can help
Pinney Talfourd are experts in commercial and residential property litigation and can advise you on changes to the law so you are given up to date advice.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Stephen Eccles on 01708 463202 or Oliver-James Topping on 01708 463227 should you wish to discuss anything further.
More information
At Pinney Talfourd, our specialist divorce lawyers are members of Resolution, dealing with many matters using a collaborative approach. We want to help our clients to achieve a fair settlement. If you are considering a divorce and want to find out some more information, please contact a member of our family team to book a free initial consultation.