Licensed builders and sellers are expected to uphold high standards of ethical and professional conduct. This includes conducting business with fairness, honesty, and integrity, as outlined in the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017, its associated regulations, and the Code of Ethics, which sets out 20 key expectations for responsible and professional conduct.

As a licensee, you are also responsible for renewing your licence on time and exercising due diligence when working with other builders or sellers – including verifying their licence status. Failing to do so can put homebuyers at risk and undermine public trust in the industry.

Directives and Advisories

The HCRA regularly issues advisories  to licensees, providing practical examples and outlining expectations for good conduct. Staying informed ensures you are up to date on all directives and advisories, including your role in preventing illegal building and selling – one of the HCRA’s top priorities. Illegal activities not only pose risks to new home buyers but also create unfair competition for licensed professionals.

The HCRA’s Professional Conduct team handles complaints against licensed builders and sellers, including potential violations of the Code of Ethics. As a licensee, you are expected to uphold integrity, honesty, and professionalism at all times. If a complaint is substantiated, the HCRA can take several actions, ranging from imposing administrative penalties to revoking a licence.

Check for updates regularly to stay informed about all HCRA directives and advisories.

Providing Notice of Material Change

Licensees must notify the HCRA of any material changes to their business, including changes to personnel, operations, structure, or financial matters such as bankruptcy or insolvency. These updates should be reported promptly – often before the changes occur – to ensure the licence remains in good standing. Failing to do so may result in regulatory action, such as restrictions on building or selling new homes. For example, if a principal, director, officer, or senior employee leaves the organization, the licence may no longer meet the competency requirement, which could prevent the HCRA from renewing it.

To update your information, log into the Builder Portal. For changes that cannot be made online, complete the Change Request Form and email it to info@hcraontario.ca.