Earlier this week, OREA made a submission to the Ontario government in response to the proposed Home Energy Rating and Disclosure (HER&D) system. The province has proposed to mandate “time of listing” energy audits for homes advertised on a “listing service”.
Ontario REALTORS® are extremely concerned about the mandatory aspects of the proposal and any attempts to legislate real estate listing services in Ontario. REALTORS® believe that mandatory home energy audits are unfair, will put consumers at risk, hurt the housing market and will do little to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Like many Ontarians, OREA believes in the importance of conservation, for this reason, OREA proposed an alternative solution that will help protect consumers, limit market disruption and help achieve Ontario’s intended policy objectives.
OREA has proposed that a home energy audit be included within a standard home inspection. This would ensure that the majority of home buyers have access to important home energy efficiency information when they are making an offer on a property. Including the audit in a home inspection will protect consumers, reduce the unintended costs of HER&D and be easier for the province to implement.
OREA’s GR team will continue to monitor this important issue. Please continue to visit the blog for updates.
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