Benefits of Homebuyer Protection

Homebuyer Protection reimburses the beneficiary the cost of repairs made due to a defect or sudden break in appliances, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems and equipment.

The protection reimburses up to $1,000 per claim, taxes included.

Eligible beneficiaries

The beneficiary must have purchased the property through a Via Capitale broker who participates in the Homebuyer Protection program.

To check if your broker participates in the program, locate the expression "participating broker" on his homepage on: www.viacapitalesells.com

Eligible properties

To be eligible for the Protection, the property must be:

1. Made up of a maximum of three units.
2. Strictly and entirely used for residential purposes.
3. Suitable for year-round occupancy.
4. Sold for more than $50,000.

To be eligible for the Protection, the property must not be:

1. A new building.
2. Repossessed, subject to a judicial sale or left vacant for more than 90 days.
3. A mobile home, whether permanently installed or not.

Included appliances, systems and equipment

• Appliances, systems and equipment located within the natural perimeter of the primary residence and the attached heated garage. This excludes appliances, systems and equipment located in solariums or other added 3 or 4 season rooms and, for condominiums, equipment included in the common areas.
• Appliances, systems and equipment less than 15 years old. When replacement parts are not available, reimbursement is limited to the cost of the repair if the parts were available. 
• Appliances, systems and equipment more than 15 years old when replacement parts are available.
• The heat pump, even if it is located outside the natural perimeter of the residence.

Excluded appliances, systems and equipment

Any type of fireplace and hot water tank.

Applicable conditions

a) The Protection is conditional upon the equipment and appliance being in good working order when the deed of sale is signed and for which the breakdown could not be foreseeable or inevitable, given the age, the condition or the usage of the equipment or if the damage is the result of a hidden defect. All appliances, systems and equipment which are heavily damaged by oxidization, rust or corrosion are not covered, if this condition was apparent when the promise to purchase is signed.

b) The Protection applies solely to appliances, systems and equipment subject to normal use for which they are intended and whose failure or sudden breakdown is due to improper installation, water, freezing, fire, explosion, vandalism or any other fortuitous event unrelated to normal functioning, inadequate voltage or improper relocation.

c) The Protection applies for repairs and replacements made only by qualified people. Furthermore, the damages must not be the result of prior replacements and repairs made by unqualified people.

Applicable limitations

a) The Protection is limited to the amount of the repair and replacement that would be assumed by a diligent consumer who has taken the steps necessary to obtain the best possible price for the parts, appliances and equipment and manpower.

b) The costs for restoration work following repair or replacement work is included and cannot exceed the limit of $1,000 per claim, all taxes included.

c) All travel and labour costs will be paid by the beneficiary to the qualified professional for a claim that isn’t covered by the Protection.

d) The Protection does not cover preventative maintenance work, leasehold improvements, renovations or any and all work made necessary due to the fact that the appliance, system and equipment does not comply with a regulation of any kind, is obsolete or no longer meets industry standards.

Damages not covered

The Protection does not cover direct and indirect physical or material damages and inconveniences resulting failure or breakdown of appliances, systems and equipment covered by the Protection, or:

1. Their repair or replacement, inability to repair or replace them or any damage resulting from repair or replacement work.
2. The impossibility to obtain the necessary parts in a timely fashion or for any other reason whatsoever.
3. The inability to make the repair or replacement in a timely fashion.
4. Refusal or delay to pay any claim.

Coverage period

The protection takes effect on the date the deed of sale is signed before a notary and applies for a period of 12 months.

Procedures to benefit from the Protection

All claims must be reported as soon as the failure or breakdown occurs at 1 (877) 491-2433.

Procedure for regular situations: For non-emergency repairs which can wait for 48 hours and, whether or not the parts or equipment require replacement, the beneficiary must first obtain authorization from the Protection’s administrator to have the repair or replacement made.

Procedure for emergency situations: For emergency repairs, such as a breakdown which renders the property uninhabitable, or if the repair or replacement period risks resulting in further damages, the beneficiary must take all necessary steps to have the appliances or equipment repaired immediately by a qualified technician. The beneficiary will have to immediately contact the administrator of the Protection by telephone, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday.

Failure to send the administrator proof (appraisal, invoice, proof of payment, etc.) required to study the claim will lead to refusal of the coverage.

Recovery

The administrator of the Protection reserves the right to recover any defective part or equipment or appliance which was replaced by a new or rebuilt part, equipment or appliance in order to verify the validity of any claim submitted by the beneficiary.

Deductible

A deductible of $100 per claim is deducted from the benefit.

Program administrator and claims

The Homebuyer Protection program is administered by GPL assurance inc. on behalf of Via Capitale, its franchisees and brokers. GPL assurance inc. is a corporation independent of Via Capitale, its agencies and brokers.

Homebuyer Protection is offered free of charge by Via Capitale brokers, who in no way assume liability for the obligations of GPL assurance inc.

Additional information on: www.viacapitalesells.com.

Conditions of the Homebuyer Protection are subject to change without notice.