What Is the Utah New Home Warranty Act?
The Utah New Home Warranty Act (Utah Code 58-70a) establishes minimum warranty standards for newly constructed homes in the state. It defines what must be covered, for how long, and what builders are legally required to do when a homeowner reports a defect.
Understanding this law is not just useful — it is essential. Builders know the law inside and out. Homeowners who do not know it are at a significant disadvantage.
What the Law Requires
One-Year Coverage:
The first year covers defects in workmanship and materials. This includes improper installation of any component of the home.
Two-Year Coverage:
For two years, the builder must warrant against defects in plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Six-Year Coverage:
For six years, the builder must warrant against major structural defects — issues that affect load-bearing components and threaten the structural integrity of the home.
This is longer than the federal standard many buyers assume applies. The six-year structural warranty is a meaningful protection for Utah homeowners.
How to Make a Claim Under the Act
The Utah New Home Warranty Act requires that warranty claims be made in writing. Verbal reports do not satisfy the legal requirement.
Your written notice must describe the alleged defect in reasonable detail and be delivered to the builder in a manner that provides proof of delivery — certified mail, email with read receipt, or a warranty portal that timestamps submissions.
What Happens If the Builder Does Not Respond?
Under the Act, builders have a reasonable time to inspect and repair warranty defects. If a builder fails to respond or refuses to honor legitimate warranty claims, a homeowner may pursue remedies including repair costs and diminution in value.
Before pursuing legal remedies, you must have a documented record of the defect and your attempts to notify the builder.
What the Act Does Not Cover
The Utah New Home Warranty Act does not cover defects caused by the homeowner, normal wear and tear, damage from events outside the builder's control, or items covered by a separate manufacturer warranty.
Why Documentation Is Your Legal Instrument
The difference between a successful warranty claim and a failed one often comes down to whether the homeowner can prove they reported the defect within the warranty period and gave the builder a reasonable opportunity to remedy it.
Oluso's timestamped claim system is designed specifically to create the documentation record the Utah New Home Warranty Act requires.
Know your rights. Document your claims. The law is on your side.