Real estate protections for construction defects and water leakage

Homeowners facing construction defects or water leakage in new and pre-owned properties must navigate various legal and contractual protections to manage repair costs.

In Japan, the Housing Quality Assurance Act mandates a 10-year warranty for structural integrity and water ingress prevention. However, this does not cover all issues, such as wallpaper or equipment malfunctions, which may fall under individual manufacturer warranties. Homeowners are advised to maintain detailed records of defects and repairs to facilitate future claims or insurance applications.

In Taiwan, real estate agencies like Sinyi Realty provide specific services to mitigate leakage risks in pre-owned homes. Common issues include leaks from upper floors, aging internal pipes, or seepage through external walls and window frames. While buyers can seek liability from sellers under civil law for pre-existing defects, some agencies offer post-transaction leakage protection services to assist with repairs.