{"id":103011,"date":"2025-07-03T08:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T15:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=103011"},"modified":"2025-08-29T11:31:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:31:44","slug":"is-a-home-warranty-required","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-a-home-warranty-required\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Home Warranty Required? A Buyer\u2019s Guide to Coverage & Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Quick Answer: No, a home warranty isn\u2019t required\u2014but it can help cover repair costs for appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. It\u2019s an optional plan some homebuyers choose for peace of mind<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019ve heard the term \u2018home warranty\u2019 during the home buying process, you might be wondering: is a home warranty required when buying a house? The short answer is no\u2014home warranties are optional, but they can offer peace of mind by covering repairs for appliances and major systems due to normal wear and tear. Though paid upfront, it can save you money in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Whether you’re buying a home in <\/span>Tampa, FL<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Boise, ID<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Providence, RI<\/span><\/a>, this Redfin guide will explain when a home warranty might be worth it and help you decide if it\u2019s the right choice for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What is home warranty?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

A home warranty, or home protection plan, is a service contract that covers major home systems and appliances when they break down from normal wear and tear. Unlike <\/span>homeowners insurance<\/span><\/a>, which covers sudden damage from accidents or disasters, a home warranty helps reduce out-of-pocket repair costs\u2014for example, covering most of the expense if your furnace fails in winter.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

>> Read: <\/i><\/b>Home Warranty vs. Home Inspection: Do You Really Need Both?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n

Is a home warranty required?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

A home warranty isn\u2019t legally required when buying a house. Unlike homeowners insurance, which lenders usually mandate, a warranty is optional coverage for repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances due to wear and tear. Some sellers may include one as an incentive, but buyers can also purchase it for peace of mind\u2014especially with older homes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What is covered by home warranty? What isn’t?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

There are clear distinctions between what a home warranty will cover and what it won\u2019t. Understanding these details is important as you consider whether a warranty makes sense for your home.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What\u2019s typically covered<\/span><\/h3>\r\n