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Contingencies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of warranty reserves
Changes in warranty reserves are as follows for the periods presented:
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
in thousands
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Balance at beginning of period
$
15,331

 
$
18,091

 
$
39,131

Accruals for warranties issued (a)
11,847

 
13,755

 
14,215

Changes in liability related to warranties existing in prior periods (b)
(1,686
)
 
(2,401
)
 
4,807

Payments made (b)
(12,104
)
 
(14,114
)
 
(40,062
)
Balance at end of period
$
13,388

 
$
15,331

 
$
18,091


(a) Accruals for warranties issued are a function of the number of home closings in the period, the selling prices of the homes closed and the rates of accrual per home estimated as a percentage of the selling price of the home.
(b) Changes in liability related to warranties existing and payments made in all periods are elevated in 2017 due to charges and subsequent payments related to water intrusion issues in certain of our communities located in Florida (refer to separate discussion below).