Your rights under DC's home improvement contractor law

Home improvement contractors must be licensed

Home improvement contractors must be licensed unless either, the project cost is less than $300, or no compensation is required or paid before the project is complete. Note that many aspects of the home improvement law do not apply to licensed persons in the specialist trades--plumbing, gas fitting, electricians, HVAC. Those licensees fall under a different set of rules. If a person accepts payment for a home improvement contract before completion of the project, a court can require all money paid to be returned to the home owner, regardless of whether there is any subtantive issue with the work, and regardless of whether it was completed.

Contractors that are licensed as general contractors may perform home improvement work if they follow the rules regarding home improvement contracts and receipts.

A written contract is required

The contract must have all blank spaces and be signed in at least triplicate. The contractor's license number, and the license number of the negotiating salespersons must be included in the contract. The contract must also include approximate start and completion dates. The contract must also include specifications showing the work to be done. The contract form must be approved by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Read carefully before signing a home improvement contract.

Mispresentations are not allowed

Home improvement contractors are prohibited from misleading or misrepresenting in negotiating or performing a home improvement contract. Advertisements regarding home improvement also must not be misleading or deceptive whether by way of false statement or by incompleteness.