Puerto Rico law

Construction Defect Laws in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico construction defect claims proceed under the 2020 Civil Code's provisions on contract and extra-contractual liability. The 2020 Civil Code imposes a 10-year statute of repose for contractor liability from substantial completion. Puerto Rico requires contractor licensing through the Examining Board of General Contractors of Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria (2017) produced extensive construction-defect activity around re-roofing, retrofitting, and rebuilding — much of it in ongoing litigation or federal-subsidy compliance matters. Puerto Rico's building codes were significantly updated post-Maria.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

4 years (general contracts); 10-year statute of repose2020 Civil Code Arts. 1473, 1813

4-year general statute for civil-code contract claims. 10-year statute of repose for construction / builder liability from substantial completion.

State law

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Builder's Liability (2020 Civil Code)2020 Civil Code Art. 1473

Contractors liable for 10 years for structural defects arising from construction or soil. Architects and engineers similarly liable for design defects.

Contractor Licensing20 L.P.R.A. §§ 131 et seq. (Examining Board of General Contractors)

General contractors performing work over specified thresholds must be licensed by the Examining Board. Unlicensed contractors may face penalties and unenforceability of contracts.

Mechanics' Liens (Construction Liens)2020 Civil Code; PR Mortgage Registry Act

Puerto Rico civil-law provides a form of construction lien for unpaid contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers.

Post-Maria Building Code UpdatesPR Building Code (2018 update)

Puerto Rico significantly updated its building code post-Hurricane Maria, imposing enhanced wind-load, flood, and structural requirements for new and retrofit construction.

State law

Official Sources

2020 Civil Code of Puerto Rico PR Examining Board of General Contractors

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

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Construction Defect Laws in Puerto Rico.

Statute of Limitations

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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