If the date of actual occupancy occurs two months after the close of escrow on a new construction, how long does the owner have to file a complaint with the Registrar of Contractors?

The timeframe for filing a complaint with the Registrar of Contractors is crucial in understanding how complaints are addressed in the context of construction and real estate transactions. The correct answer is that the owner has two years from the close of escrow to file a complaint.

The rationale behind this is that the close of escrow represents a significant milestone in a real estate transaction, signaling that ownership has officially transferred from the seller to the buyer. At this point, the owner becomes responsible for any issues related to the construction of the property. This two-year period allows homeowners to identify and address any construction defects or issues that arise shortly after they take possession of the property.

Other provided options focus on different aspects, but they do not align with the timeline set by statutes related to complaints about construction defects. Filing based on actual occupancy would not take into account the fact that issues can be recognized well before occupying the property. Similarly, counting from notice of completion or first repairs introduces complexities that may not accurately reflect the most critical date regarding ownership transfer. Thus, the timeline from the close of escrow is designed to provide clarity to both homeowners and contractors regarding their rights and responsibilities.