Overview
M/I Homes operates in Pennsylvania as part of its Mid-Atlantic presence.
Pennsylvania's common-law implied warranty of habitability and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law provide legal protections for buyers. Pennsylvania has a 12-year statute of repose for construction defect claims, one of the longer timelines in the country.
How Pennsylvania Law Affects Your Contract
The following analysis examines how M/I Homes's documented contract patterns interact with Pennsylvania consumer protection law.
Implied Warranty of Habitability
Pennsylvania courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability for new construction (Elderkin v. Gaster, 447 Pa. 118, 1972). If M/I Homes' purchase agreement designates the express warranty as the exclusive remedy, the implied warranty may provide additional protections.
Arbitration Provisions Under Pennsylvania Law
Mandatory arbitration clauses are generally enforceable in Pennsylvania, subject to unconscionability challenges. Buyers should review M/I Homes' dispute resolution provisions before signing.
Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law
Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (73 P.S. § 201-1 et seq.) prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices and provides treble damages. If M/I Homes or M/I Financial made misleading representations, this statute may apply.
Pennsylvania Legal History
No state-specific litigation involving M/I Homes in Pennsylvania has been identified in public records as of this writing.
Relevant Pennsylvania Laws
Pennsylvania courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability for new construction, requiring that homes meet basic habitability standards at the time of sale.
Prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices and provides consumers with a private right of action, including treble damages.
Requires registration of home improvement contractors and provides consumer protections for home improvement contracts.
Pennsylvania Key Facts
- 1Pennsylvania recognizes an implied warranty of habitability for new construction under common law.
- 2The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law provides treble damages for violations.
- 3Pennsylvania has a 12-year statute of repose for construction defect claims.
- 4Mandatory arbitration clauses are generally enforceable in Pennsylvania, subject to unconscionability challenges.
- 5Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General's office.
- 6Pennsylvania does not have a statutory pre-litigation notice requirement for construction defects.
What Pennsylvania Buyers Should Know
- Know that Pennsylvania recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Pennsylvania courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability for new construction. This provides protections beyond M/I Homes' express limited warranty.
- Understand the 12-year statute of repose. Pennsylvania has a 12-year statute of repose for construction defect claims, one of the longer timelines in the country. This provides an extended window for filing claims.
- Be aware of treble damages under state consumer protection law. Pennsylvania's consumer protection law provides treble damages for violations. If you believe misleading representations were made, this statute provides a significant remedy.
- Compare M/I Financial with independent lenders. M/I Financial is a wholly owned subsidiary of M/I Homes. Compare rates, fees, and loan terms with at least two independent lenders before committing.