How to transfer a roof, window or product warranty to the buyer

A transferable warranty is something a buyer values, because it covers a big item they didn't pay to install. But it doesn't always pass to the buyer by itself. Often you have to start it, and sometimes the buyer does. Find out which before you list.

Home warranty vs. product warranty

These are two different things.

• A product or workmanship warranty comes with a thing: a roof, windows, a water heater, a deck. It comes from the manufacturer or the installer. This page is about these.
• A home warranty is a service plan you pay for that covers repairs to systems and appliances. Its transfer rules come from the plan's contract. Read your contract or call the company.

Step 1: Find the warranty

Look in these places:

1. The paperwork from the job: the contract, the invoice, the warranty certificate or card.
2. Your email. Search "warranty", the installer's name, and the brand.
3. The installer. Ask for a copy of the warranty and any registration.
4. The manufacturer's website. Many let you look up or download warranty terms by product line.
5. The label or the product itself, for the brand, model and date.

If you can't find the paper, you may still be able to get the terms from the brand once you know the product and the year. A roofer can often tell you which shingle line went on.

Step 2: Check whether it transfers

Read the warranty document for words like "transfer", "transferable", "subsequent owner" and "assignable." Look for:

• Whether it transfers at all, and how many times.
• Who has to ask, you or the buyer.
• Deadlines. Some warranties set a window, counted from the sale. Your document will say.
• Fees. Some charge for a transfer. The document will say.
• Changes in coverage. A transferred warranty can have different terms than the original.
• Conditions. Registration, proof of purchase, or proof of service may be required.

Installer (workmanship) warranties and manufacturer (material) warranties often have different rules. Check each one separately.

If the document is unclear, call the issuer. Ask what they need, how long it takes, and what it costs. Write down who you spoke to and the date.

Step 3: Take the usual steps

Exact steps depend on the issuer. Most ask for some of these:

1. A transfer form, from the issuer's website or by phone.
2. Proof of the original purchase or install: the invoice or certificate.
3. Proof of the sale: often the closing papers or a settlement statement.
4. The buyer's name and address.
5. A fee, if the warranty charges one.

Do this early. Some issuers need the sale to be final first, so ask when the form can go in. Put the deadline on your calendar as soon as you know it.

Step 4: Give the buyer what they need

At closing, hand over:

• The warranty document itself.
• The invoice or proof of install.
• Any registration number or confirmation.
• A copy of the transfer form and any confirmation from the issuer.
• The installer's name and phone number.
• Service records, if the warranty required upkeep.

Tell the buyer in writing what the deadline is and who has to act. A note like "Roof warranty: buyer to submit the transfer form within the period in the document" is enough if you've read the terms. Don't promise a transfer you haven't confirmed.

Warranty details also belong in the answers you give buyers. See how to answer buyer questions.