What Is Defects Liability Period?

Understanding the Defects Liability Period

The defects liability period (DLP) is a contractual warranty window that begins at practical completion and typically runs for 6 to 12 months for insurance repair work. During this time, the builder is responsible for fixing any defects in their workmanship or materials that become apparent.

What Counts as a Defect?

• •Paint peeling, cracking, or discolouring prematurely
• •Tile grout cracking or tiles becoming loose
• •Doors or windows that no longer close properly due to frame movement
• •Plumbing leaks at repaired or new connections
• •Plasterboard joins becoming visible through cracking or nail popping
• •Any item that does not match the approved scope of works specification

Your Rights During the DLP

Report any defects to the builder in writing as soon as you notice them. The builder is obligated to return and rectify the issue at no cost to you. If the builder fails to address reported defects, you can escalate through the insurer (if applicable) or through Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Under Victorian domestic building legislation, structural defects carry a longer warranty period of six years from the date of the building permit. The DLP covers non-structural defects during the initial warranty window.

How Oxide Handles This

At Oxide Construct, our technology-driven approach to insurance repair means defects liability period is handled transparently. Track your claim in real-time through our platform, with a dedicated assessor as your single point of contact throughout the process.

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