1312.05 Contractor's response to notice of defects - offer to inspect or settle claim. - Ohio Statutes

1312.05 Contractor's response to notice of defects - offer to inspect or settle claim.

(A) A residential contractor shall provide the owner with a good faith written response to any notice provided pursuant to section 1312.04 of the Revised Code. The response shall be provided within twenty-one days after the owner mailed the notice, delivered it by personal delivery, or transmitted it by telegram, facsimile, or electronic mail. In the response, the contractor shall offer to take one of the following actions:

(1) Inspect the residential building that is the subject of the claim;

(2) Compromise and settle the claim without an inspection;

(3) Dispute the claim.

(B) If a contractor fails to respond as required by division (A) of this section or disputes the claim, an owner is deemed to have complied with this chapter and may commence arbitration proceedings or file a dwelling action without further notice to the contractor.

(C)(1) If an owner rejects a contractor’s offer to inspect the property or to compromise and settle a claim, the owner shall notify the contractor of that rejection within fourteen days after receiving the contractor’s offer. The rejection notice shall be in writing and include a reason for the rejection.

(2) After providing a rejection notice, an owner has complied with this chapter and may commence arbitration proceedings or file a dwelling action without further notice to the contractor.

Effective Date: 05-27-2005