This program, administered by the Homeowner Protection Office, provides grant assistance to eligible owners to repair damage caused by the premature building envelope failure. The grant is based on a formula that equates to the cost of PST paid on repairs.

Eligible recipients include strata buildings, housing co-operatives and single detached dwellings. Investor-owned rental properties are not eligible since repair costs can be deducted from rental income. Builders and warranty companies also are not eligible for the grant. Assistnace is available on repairs completed on or after July 28, 1998, the date the Homeowner Protection Act was passed.

Generally, about 40 per cent of repair costs are subject to PST. The amount of the grant will be based on the following formula:

total cost of repairs  X    40%  X  the PST rate in effect when the repairs were paid for (which is 7% prior to February 20, 2002 and 7.5% thereafter)

The application package will be available through the Homeowner Protection Office. Supporting documentation required for the application includes:

• a completed application form;
• a certificate to verify that the repair was necessary due to a premature building envelope failure and not simply related to maintenance;
• a statutory declaration by the contractor confirming repairs have been completed; and
• copies of contracts with change orders, invoices or certificates of payment that support the cost of repairs being submitted on the application.

Last Updated: November 25, 2003