Section 1312.03. Notice of contractor's right to resolve alleged defects

Upon entering into a contract for the construction or the substantial rehabilitation of a residential building, a residential contractor shall provide the owner with notice of the contractor's right to offer to resolve any alleged construction defect before the owner may commence a dwelling action or arbitration proceedings against the contractor. The contractor may include the notice in the contract or provide the notice as a separate document delivered at the time the owner signs the contract. The notice shall be conspicuous and in substantially the following form:

OHIO LAW CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE YOU MAY FILE A LAWSUIT OR COMMENCE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS FOR DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION AGAINST THE RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR WHO CONSTRUCTED YOUR HOME. AT LEAST SIXTY DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE A LAWSUIT OR COMMENCE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS, YOU MUST PROVIDE THE CONTRACTOR WITH A WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE. UNDER CHAPTER 1312. OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, THE CONTRACTOR HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER THE CONTRACTOR MAKES. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO FILE A LAWSUIT OR COMMENCE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS.

Effective Date: 05-27-2005