(a) (1) In addition to the implied warranties on private dwelling units under § 10-203 of this article and the express warranties on private dwelling units under § 10-202 of this article, there shall be an implied warranty to the homeowners association that the improvements to common areas are:

(i) Free from faulty materials;

(ii) Constructed in accordance with sound engineering standards; and

(iii) Constructed in a workmanlike manner.

(2) (i) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if the improvements to the common areas were constructed by the vendor, its agents, servants, employees, contractors, or subcontractors, then the warranty on improvements shall be from the vendor of the lots within the development.

(ii) If the improvements to the common areas were constructed on the common areas prior to its conveyance to the homeowners association, then the warranty on improvements shall be from the grantor of the common areas.

(3) (i) The warranty on improvements to the common areas begins with the first transfer of title to a lot to a member of the public by the vendor of the lot.

(ii) The warranty on improvements to common areas not completed at the first transfer of title to a lot shall begin with the completion of the improvement or with its availability for use by lot owners, whichever occurs later.

(iii) The warranty extends for a period of 2 years from commencement under subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph or 2 years from the date on which the lot owners, other than the declarant and its affiliates, first elect a controlling majority of the members of the governing body of the homeowners association, whichever occurs later.

(4) Suit for enforcement of the warranty on improvements to the common areas may be brought by either the homeowners association or by an individual lot owner.

(b) Notice of a defect shall be given within the warranty period and suit for enforcement of the warranty shall be brought within one year of the expiration of the warranty period.

(c) Warranties shall not apply to defects caused through abuse or failure to perform maintenance by a lot owner or the homeowners association.