Which warranties, appliances and rental contracts transfer when you buy a Markham home?When you buy a Markham home, the agreement lists which appliances and fixtures are included, and rental equipment such as a water heater usually transfers to you with its monthly cost. Newer homes may still have Tarion coverage, which runs one, two and seven years from the original possession date and transfers to later owners for the rest of the term. Manufacturer warranties on roofs, windows, furnaces and appliances may or may not transfer, so ask for documents. Confirm everything in writing before you firm up.
Warranties and rentals are easy to miss in the excitement of buying. They can affect your monthly costs and what you pay when something breaks.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, asks sellers for warranty and rental details early, so buyers know what they are getting before the deal is firm.
Tarion coverage on newer homes
| Coverage | Length from first possession | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| One-year | 1 year | Workmanship and materials |
| Two-year | 2 years | Water penetration, electrical, plumbing and heating, building envelope |
| Seven-year | 7 years | Major structural defects |
Coverage stays with the home, so a second owner keeps whatever time is left. Ask for the original possession date and any open claims. See Tarion warranty and new home protection.
Manufacturer warranties
- Roof: shingle warranties may transfer once, sometimes with registration.
- Windows and doors: some transfer with a fee or notice.
- Furnace and air conditioner: often require registration and service records.
- Appliances: usually tied to the original purchase date.
Ask the sellers for receipts, warranty cards and contractor contacts.
Rental equipment
Many Ontario homes rent their water heater, and some rent furnaces, air conditioners or water softeners. The contract usually transfers on closing.
| Ask for | Why |
|---|---|
| The company and contract | To know who to call |
| Monthly cost | Adds to your budget |
| Buyout amount and terms | Some contracts are expensive to end |
| Age of the equipment | Older units may be replaced under the contract |
Want help confirming what comes with a home?
Michael John Lau can request warranty and rental details from the seller before you firm up.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Inclusions and exclusions
The agreement lists what stays and what goes. Be specific: write the appliance and its location, such as the basement fridge, and include light fixtures, window coverings and the garage door opener and remotes if they matter to you. If the seller is excluding something, it should be written as an exclusion.
Checklist before you firm up
- List every included appliance and fixture by location.
- Ask for rental contracts, monthly costs and buyout terms.
- Ask for roof, window and mechanical warranties and receipts.
- For homes under seven years old, get the Tarion possession date.
- Have the inspector test appliances and systems where possible.
At the final visit
Check that included appliances are there and working, and that manuals, remotes and keys are left behind. See the final walkthrough checklist.
After closing
- Register any warranties that need it.
- Transfer rental contracts into your name if the company requires it.
- Keep a folder of receipts and warranties for when you sell.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you close.
Knowing what comes with the house prevents surprises after you move in. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tarion warranty transfer to a new owner?
Yes. Coverage stays with the home for the rest of the one, two and seven-year terms from first possession.
Do rental water heaters transfer when I buy a home?
Usually yes. Ask for the contract, monthly cost and buyout terms before you offer.
Do appliance warranties transfer?
Sometimes. Many are tied to the original buyer or purchase date. Ask for documents.
What is the difference between a fixture and a chattel?
Fixtures are attached to the home and usually stay; chattels, such as appliances, stay only if listed as included.
Can I buy out a rental furnace or water heater?
Often yes, at a price set by the contract. Ask for the buyout amount.
What should I check about appliances at the final visit?
That every included appliance is present and working, with manuals and remotes left behind.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Tarion coverage periods are from Tarion. Manufacturer warranty and rental contract terms vary by company; review the documents for any home. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
