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QHWS

QHWS (Queensland Home Warranty Scheme) is Queensland's statutory home warranty insurance for residential building work over $3,300, administered by the QBCC.

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QHWS

The Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (QHWS) is Queensland’s statutory insurance scheme for residential building work valued over $3,300 (including GST). It is administered by the QBCC. Licensed contractors must pay the QHWS premium to the QBCC before starting work; the cost is typically included in the contract price.

The scheme provides cover to homeowners for up to 6 years and 6 months for structural defects and 6 months for non-structural defects, if the builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent, or fails to complete the work or fix defects after a QBCC direction. A builder cannot issue a valid QHWS certificate with a lapsed or suspended licence, which is why keeping your QBCC licence current is critical on any residential contract.

Also known as: Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, Home Warranty Insurance Queensland

Category: Insurance and licensing

See also


Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.