How do I hand over warranties or manuals to the buyer?

How do I hand over warranties or manuals to the buyer?

Can I hand over warranties and manuals at closing — and do it without drama? Here’s the exact Milton, ON process that protects both seller and buyer.

Why this matters in Milton real estate

If you’re selling a home in Milton, ON, handing over warranties and manuals is not optional. It’s paperwork that protects the buyer, prevents disputes, and speeds up post-closing service calls. Done right, it improves buyer confidence and reduces holdbacks at closing. Done wrong, it triggers phone calls, refunds, and stress during the first month after possession.

This guide gives a step-by-step process you can follow today. No fluff. Clear steps you or your lawyer can use at closing.

Quick summary (do this first)

• Gather every warranty, manual and service record for appliances, systems, renovations, and major upgrades.
• Confirm which warranties are transferable and which require a form or fee.
• Create a printed binder plus a digital folder (PDFs, photos, transfer confirmations).
• Include a signed handover list in the closing documents or add a clause in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
• Deliver the binder and the digital folder to the buyer or the buyer’s lawyer at closing.

What counts as a warranty or manual

• Manufacturer warranties for appliances (fridge, stove, washer, dryer).
• HVAC/boiler/compressor service contracts.
• Roof, window and door warranties.
• Solar panel or battery system warranties and commissioning reports.
• Tarion new-home warranty documentation (for newer builds).
• Extended warranties or home warranty policies.
• Receipts, service records, and building-permit paperwork for renovations.

If it affects the home’s operation or was sold as included, it belongs in the handover pack.

Transferable vs non-transferable—what to check

1. Read the fine print. Manufacturers and warranty providers usually state whether an agreement is transferable.
2. Contact the provider. A quick call confirms the transfer steps and any fees.
3. For new homes: Tarion guarantees in Ontario cover major defects. These warranties follow the home but may need the buyer to register with Tarion.
4. If non-transferable, document that and include the receipts so the buyer knows the age and service history.

The Milton timeline — when to prepare and when to deliver

• 30+ days before closing: Start collecting documents. Call providers for transfer requirements.
• 10–14 days before closing: Prepare the binder and digital folder. Give copies to your lawyer.
• Closing day: Deliver the physical binder and a printed inventory list to the buyer or the buyer’s lawyer. Email the digital folder and include transfer confirmations if available.
• 7–14 days after closing: Follow up to confirm transfers went through. File any required forms with providers.

Step-by-step handover checklist for sellers (use this at closing)

1. Create an index page listing every item and where its documents live (printed page + link to cloud folder).
2. Include a one-page summary for each major system: HVAC, roof, pool, septic, solar. Note last service date and provider.
3. Add manufacturer warranty cards and serial numbers for appliances.
4. Add any transfer forms completed or show the steps the buyer must take.
5. Add invoices and permit copies for renovations completed in the last 10 years.
6. Print a signed receipt/handover form that the buyer signs at closing acknowledging receipt of warranties/manuals.
7. Provide keys, remotes, and instruction for security systems and thermostats.

Sample handover language to include in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale

“Seller to deliver, at closing, all manufacturer warranties, instruction manuals, service records and transfer forms for items included in the sale. Buyer shall sign a receipt acknowledging delivery.”

Add that clause to avoid any post-closing disputes.

How lawyers and closing agents handle this in Ontario (Milton specifics)

In Ontario, closing lawyers manage the title transfer and funds. They do not automatically collect physical manuals. Your lawyer can include a clause or handle delivery to the buyer’s lawyer. In Milton, conveyancers often accept a physical binder or a digital link placed in the closing package.

Make sure your lawyer has the handover binder before funds are released. If an item is missing and the buyer insists on a retention, a holdback can be applied—avoid that by preparing early.

Special considerations for Tarion and new-home warranties

Tarion covers new-home warranties in Ontario. For Milton new-builds, ensure you provide the Tarion warranty certificate and any documentation from the builder. The buyer may need to register or contact Tarion for claim instructions. Confirm transfer steps with Tarion or your builder’s warranty department.

If your home was built within the last 7 years, this is critical. Buyers will ask. Have it ready.

Digital delivery best practices

• Create a single PDF binder and a folder with individual files named clearly (e.g., “FridgeSamsungSN12345Warranty2022.pdf”).
• Use Google Drive, Dropbox or a secure link from your lawyer’s portal.
• Email the link to the buyer and the buyer’s lawyer with a short checklist and the signed handover receipt.
• Include images of serial numbers and installed equipment locations (utility room, attic) for quick identification.

Digital copies speed service calls and keep records if the physical binder is misplaced.

What to do if you didn’t keep manuals or never registered a warranty

• Call the manufacturer with the serial number. They often can reissue manuals and confirm warranty status.
• Use appliance model numbers to download manuals from the manufacturer’s website.
• Get invoices or service records from contractors. In Milton, local providers keep service histories and can reissue proof.

If you can’t get a transfer, disclose the situation to the buyer and show what steps you took. Transparency prevents claims.

Who pays transfer fees or service charges?

The contract should say. Usually, transfer fees are small and paid by the party required by the warranty terms. In practice, sellers often pay the fee or split it, but you can negotiate. Put the arrangement in writing.

Real-world Milton examples (what I’ve seen work)

• Newer condo sale in Milton: Seller gave a digital folder with appliance receipts and energy audits. Buyer’s lawyer added a short clause acknowledging receipt. No holdbacks.
• Detached home with recent renovation: Seller provided permits and contractor warranties. The buyer contacted the contractor after closing and confirmed transfer for furnace service. Smooth handover.

Local providers in Milton move fast when you have serial numbers and contact info. That’s why the index page matters.

Mistakes that cost sellers time and money

• Waiting until closing day to gather manuals.
• Handing over only physical copies and no digital backup.
• Failing to add a handover clause to the purchase agreement.
• Not confirming transfer requirements with warranty providers.

Avoid these and you’ll close clean.

Action plan — do this today

1. Make a list of every major appliance and system in your home.
2. Find manuals, warranty cards, invoices and permit copies.
3. Call any warranty providers to ask about transfer steps.
4. Pack a printed binder and create a digital folder.
5. Ask your lawyer to add handover language to the closing documents.

Do that and your Milton closing will finish without friction.

Final note: Why buyers in Milton notice this

Milton buyers expect transparency. Good handovers reduce first-month calls and increase trust. If you want top market positioning, present a professional handover package. It’s a small step that boosts value.

FAQ — Handing Over Warranties and Manuals in Milton, ON

Q: Are warranties automatically transferred to the new owner?
A: Not always. Manufacturer and service warranties often require a transfer form or registration. Tarion coverage follows the home, but some steps may still be required by the buyer. Confirm with each provider.

Q: Who should deliver the manuals at closing?
A: The seller. But many sellers give the binder to their lawyer to pass to the buyer’s lawyer. Confirm which lawyer will hold and deliver it before closing.

Q: What if a warranty provider requires a transfer fee?
A: The purchase agreement should state who pays. If not agreed, negotiate before closing. Often sellers cover the fee for goodwill.

Q: Can I email manuals after closing?
A: Yes. Emailing a digital copy is standard. But also provide a printed binder at closing and a signed receipt to avoid disputes.

Q: What if I lost my manuals?
A: Contact the manufacturer with the appliance model and serial number. Most will reissue a manual or confirm warranty status. Local Milton service providers can help retrieve service records.

Q: Is Tarion relevant for Milton homes?
A: Yes for new-builds. Tarion protects new-home buyers in Ontario. If your home is newer, provide Tarion documents and instruct the buyer how to register claims.

Q: Can the buyer hold back funds if warranties aren’t provided?
A: Potentially. If the purchase agreement required delivery and the seller fails to comply, the buyer could request a holdback or damages. Avoid this by preparing the handover pack and using clear contract language.

Q: Where can I get help in Milton?
A: Speak to your real estate lawyer and your realtor. If you need direct help preparing the handover pack, contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca — Tony can walk you through the checklist and coordinate with local lawyers and contractors.

Contact Tony to get this done right and close with confidence.