“The letter, which has an NHBRC logo, distorts the benefits that consumers are entitled to - once construction of their homes is completed. An NHBRC letterhead will have a designed header as well as names of board members at the bottom,” NHBRC said.
The council urged consumers to be vigilant and confirm this fraud by consulting their nearest NHBRC customer care office on either toll free number (0800 200 824) or on the website www.nhbrc.org.za.
The NHBRC was created by an Act of Parliament (Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998) to protect the rights of housing consumers against shoddy workmanship by unscrupulous home builders.
As such, the NHBRC manages a Warranty Fund, which all homeowners contribute towards as part of their registering with the council.
The fund is meant to act as an insurance cover for a period of five years from occupation of the new home. It covers the one year roof leakage and five-year major structural defects.
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