Changes to new-build consumer codes that may affect you

About the New Homes Quality Code

The New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) is overseen by the new Homes Quality Board, an independent not-for-profit body established in 2021 to provide new framework in the quality of new-build homes, and in the quality of customer service delivered by home builders.

At present, developers are free to choose whether they would prefer to migrate to the NHQC, or stick with the Consumer Code for Home Builders. LABC Warranty’s position is that either code is acceptable provision to protect new-build home buyers, and will not affect any warranty coverage.

About the Consumer Code for Home Builders

The Code continues to operate, and will carry on its work to protect the public in the purchase and occupation of their new-build homes.

Unless you have actively registered with the NHQC your membership with LABC Warranty will continue to give you membership of The Code, and your buyers the protection associated with this Code.

When you need to act

If you wish to continue your membership of The Code, no action needs to be taken.
However, if you wish to switch from The Code to the NHQC, you must inform us of your intention to do so. If we do not receive any material of your intention to move to the new code, we will continue to assess and monitor your new-build and newly-converted homes in accordance with The Code.

During the switch from The Code to the NHQC, there may be a delay between application and activation. During this delay, you will remain a member of The Code, and any properties will be assessed against The Code, until activation is complete.

For this reason, it is important to alert LABC Warranty to an intention to switch codes as soon as possible.

The legal position

In the future, it is possible that secondary legislation to the Building Safety Act will made adherence to the an industry Code mandatory.

At this stage, a decision on which code and when this will apply has not been taken by the government, and owing to wider factors in the political landscape, it may be some time before that decision is taken.

Until that position is clarified through legislation the default position with LABC Warranty is membership and compliance with The Code, but you can choose to register and activate under the NHQC.

Questions? Let us know

If you have any concerns or questions about either code, or wish to signal your intention to move between codes, please get in touch. Our team would be happy to help.