Texas Home Lemon Law filed

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Write to State Representative Villarreal, in support of the Home Lemon Law.

HOMEOWNERS FOR BETTER BUILDING

Email: president@... – Website: www.hobb.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Janet Ahmad

March 14, 2003 (210) 494-6404

State Representative Villarreal files HB 2934

“The Home Lemon Law”

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Texas, the First State in the country to consider a Home Lemon Law

AUSTIN—-State Representative 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 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 reducing the cost of expensive litigation resulting in less cost 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.

HB 2934 is simple, it will give confidence in buying a new home by giving builders an incentive to construction a home right the first time or builders will be held accountable for their mistakes, said Janet Ahmad, founder and president of HomeOwners for Better Building.

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Janet Ahmad, PresidentHomeOwners for Better BuildingSan , TXhttp://www.hobb.org