LD 1403
pg. 8
Page 7 of 8 An Act To Create an Alternative Method of Dispute Resolution in Homeowner Claim... LD 1403 Title Page
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LR 685
Item 1

 
MAINE LAW CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE
YOU MAY FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION
AGAINST THE CONTRACTOR WHO CONSTRUCTED, REMODELED OR REPAIRED
YOUR HOME. NINETY DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LAWSUIT OR OTHER
ACTION, YOU MUST SERVE THE CONTRACTOR WITH A WRITTEN NOTICE OF
ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE. UNDER THE
LAW, A CONTRACTOR HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR
AND/OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY
OFFER MADE BY A CONTRACTOR. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND
PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT
YOUR ABILITY TO FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION.

 
§8558.__Limitations

 
The procedures in this chapter do not create a cause of action
on behalf of a claimant or contractor.__This chapter does not
apply to a contractor's right to seek contribution from or
indemnity or recovery against a subcontractor, supplier or design
professional for any claim made against the contractor by a
claimant.

 
§8559.__Effective date

 
This chapter applies to an action commenced after January 1,
2006, regardless of the date of sale or substantial completion of
the residence at issue in the action.

 
SUMMARY

 
This bill requires a homeowner who intends to file an action
against a manufacturer or dealer of manufactured housing alleging
a construction defect to first provide written notice of each
alleged construction defect to the manufacturer or dealer of
manufactured housing 90 days before a suit is filed and provide
the evidence supporting the claim. A claimant must provide the
manufacturer or dealer of manufactured housing reasonable access
to the residence to determine the nature and extent of the
defect. The manufacturer or dealer of manufactured housing must
respond to the claimant within 30 days of the notice and may
offer to inspect the property, remedy the defect, compromise by
payment or reject in whole or in part the claim. A court must
dismiss an action commenced against a manufacturer or dealer of
manufactured housing by a claimant who has failed to comply with
the notice and opportunity to repair requirements. This bill also
requires a manufacturer or dealer of manufactured housing
contractor to provide notice of the provisions of this bill to a
homeowner upon entering a home construction contract.


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