HOBB Media Advisory - Texas State Rep. Villarreal files HB 2934 Home Lemon Law
HOMEOWNERS FOR BETTER BUILDING
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--MEDIA ADVISORY--
March 17, 2003
State Representative Michael Villarreal files HB 2934
"The Home Lemon Lawâ
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Texas, the First State in the country to consider a Home Lemon Law
AUSTINâ-State Representative Michael Villarreal, District 12, understanding the lack of consumer protection for the homebuyer and the increase in the number of complaints, filed the Texas Homebuyer Protection Act (HB 2934).
Fashioned after the Vehicle Lemon Law the Texas Homebuyer Protection Act (Home Lemon Law) will establish a buy-back program if the builder either cannot or refuses, to correct a construction defect in a timely manner.
If passed HB 2934 would be administered by the Texas Real Estate Commission, which is already in existence, thereby reducing the expense of establishing a new regulatory agency or commission. This administrative remedy will also cut down on the cost of a new home by avoiding costly litigation, ultimately resulting in less expense to both the builder and the consumer.
The measure would apply to defects such as foundation problems or cumulative defects that substantially reduce a new home's value or make it unsafe or uninhabitable.
With the advent of building materials that predispose a home to the growth of mold, a provision has been included for mold contamination as the result of a construction defect. After written notice to the builder and submission of testing results by a certified mold-testing laboratory, which demonstrates proof of unacceptable levels of toxic mold contamination that poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of inhabitants of the residence, the builder shall complete a buy-back of the home within 30 days. The period of time for making a claim will be for a period of 10 years, in compliance with the State Implied Warranty of Good Workmanship and Habitability
âHB 2934 is simple, and it will instill confidence in buying a new home by giving builders an incentive to construct a home right the first time. Builders will finally be held accountable for their mistakes,â said Janet Ahmad, founder and president of HomeOwners for Better Building.
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Janet Ahmad - San Antonio h
Laura Munoz
- Austin l Linda Armstrong - Florida h Jo Hayman â Dallas h Flo Roberts/Osteen & Brenda
Tom
linson â Georgia h Tahni Hutchins â Indiana h Mary Cohn â Houstonh
Charles & Ainslie Vice
â Kentucky
Lorinda & Brian Couch â North Carolina h
Marie Crosby
â New Jersey h Marc Swarowsky - Oklahoma h
Gloria Adams
- South Carolina
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