what can the attorney general office do to a contractor

How do I report a contractor in PA?

You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-717-783-4854 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania).

What to do when you're unhappy with a contractors work?

Here are the steps you can take when a contractor does poor work:Try to talk it out.Fire the contractor.File a claim or complaint.Request arbitration or mediation.Go to small claims court.Hire a trusted attorney.Appear in court.Submit your review.Jul 9, 2021

How do I file a complaint against a contractor in Illinois?

You can file a Small Claims lawsuit in the county where your contractor resides, or in the county where the transaction took place. To start your lawsuit go to the courthouse and pick up summons and a complaint form from the small claims court clerk.

How do I file a complaint with the California State contractors Board?

How to File a Complaint with the Contractors State Licensing...Call to have a Complaint Form mailed to you 1-800-321-CSLB (2752), OR.Use the On-line Complaint Form, OR.Download and Print a Complaint Form.

What should you not say to a contractor?

Seven Things to Never Say to a ContractorNever Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. ... Don't Tell a Contractor Your Budget. ... Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. ... Don't Tell a Contractor That You Aren't in A Hurry. ... Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.More items...•Oct 10, 2017

How do you deal with a difficult contractor?

Learn to speak the same language.Know what you want. This is critical. ... Expect messes, then work to minimize them. ... Don't assume the world revolves around you. ... Be prepared for delays. ... Your help can hurt. ... Your job may cost more than you expect. ... Not all contractors are shady. ... Find a good contractor.More items...•Dec 4, 2003

How long does a contractor have to file a lien in Illinois?

The deadline for contractors and subcontractors to file their statement of mechanic's lien is four months (not 120 days) from the last date of work (exclusive of warranty work or other work performed free of charge), or from the last date that materials were supplied to the project.Mar 28, 2017

How long is a contractor liable for work in Illinois?

Ultimately, if a claim is discovered at the end of the 10-year period, exposure for the claim will last another four years (for a potential total of 14 years). Additionally, if the contractor is sued for contribution under the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act, the contractor could be exposed for another two years.Nov 17, 2016

How do I report a business for Covid violations in Illinois?

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through their COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-252-2923; or email [email protected].

Who do I complain to about a builder?

Please send your written complaint to: The Manager, London Building Control Ltd at our address on our Home Page. We will consider your complaint as quickly as possible and acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 7 days.

What recourse do I have against a home builder in California?

Even if you didn't receive a written warranty from the builder, the law says the builder owes you one for a one-year period. To make a claim under this warranty you would be required to give the builder a chance to fix the problem, and if that doesn't work, initiate a lawsuit for the defect within the one-year period.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in California?

Those who are caught contracting without a license likely will have to appear before a Superior Court judge to answer to misdemeanor charges that can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, as well as an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.

What happens if a contractor is not registered?

Any home improvement contractor who is not registered is prohibited from offering or performing home improvements. The failure to register is a violation of the law and unregistered contractors face legal action, including civil penalties of $1,000 or more.

What is a home improvement contractor?

Under the law, a home improvement contractor is defined as: Any person who owns and operates a home improvement business or who undertakes, offers to undertake or agrees to perform any home improvement. The term includes a subcontractor or independent contractor who has contracted with a home improvement retailer, ...

When was the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act passed?

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (“HICPA”) was adopted by Pennsylvania’s General Assembly in October, 2008, and signed by the Governor as Act 132 of 2008. The law establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who offer or perform home improvements in Pennsylvania. The statute also establishes minimum insurance ...

Do you need to include extra zeros in PA registration?

You must include the abbreviation “PA” and the number assigned to you (example: PA123456). You do not need to include extra zeroes which come before your number but you must have these letters and your actual registration number. For instance, if you were assigned PA000372, you may list your number that way, or simply use PA372.

Do landscapers need to register in Pennsylvania?

Landscapers whose work is limited to services performed under Pennsylvania’s Plant Pest Act do not need to register. However, landscapers who perform other work at private residences including, but not limited to: the placement of retaining walls, fountains or drainage systems, or the construction, replacement, installation or improvement of buildings, driveways, swimming pools, porches, garages, roofs, siding, insulation, solar energy systems, security systems, flooring, patios, non-decorative fences, doors, lighting systems, concrete walkways and windows must register and comply with the act.

What is the number to report unregistered contractors?

Consumers or businesses can call our Home Improvement Registration Hotline, at 1-888-520-6680, to report unregistered contractors operating in their communities.

Do contractors have to register with the Attorney General?

While the law requires contractors to register with the Attorney General’s office, this registration is not an endorsement of their honesty or quality of work. For this reason, in addition to seeing whether a contractor is registered with the Attorney General’s office, you should also: Thoroughly check your contractor’s references.

What is the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act?

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office yesterday filed a civil suit under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act against R&M Landscaping, alleging that the defendants accepted deposits from consumers in exchange for promised landscaping, construction, and handyman work, but failed to provide any work at all or provided incomplete or substandard work . The petition also alleges that defendants promised to refund consumers’ deposits but failed to do so.

What is Stella roofing?

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office yesterday filed a civil suit under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act against Stella Roofing, alleging that the defendants accepted deposits from consumers in exchange for promised roofing and other construction work, but then either failed to provide any work at all or provided incomplete or substandard work. The petition also alleges that defendants promised to refund consumers’ deposits but failed to do so.

What is a sign contractor?

Sign contractors are able to erect, alter, repair, or maintain ground signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and more. They have the same requirements to meet as General Contractors, and they can apply online or with a paper copy . Plumbing contractors must carry Allegheny County-issued master plumber licenses.

What is the fine for unlicensed work?

However, working while not registered with the Attorney General’s Office is a violation punishable by fines of $1,000 or more.

What license do I need to work in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia requires all home improvement contractors working within the city to carry a city-issued license. The requirements for this license are quite simple. Applicants will have to provide proof of insurance, take the OSHA 30 safety training course, and disclose the names of each of their subcontractors.

How long do you have to file a mechanics lien?

Also, they must provide a Notice of Intent to lien 30 days before filing a lien. They also have six months since final furnishing to file a mechanics lien. Don’t let these deadlines or working without a license affect your cash flow. Protect your payments and stay on the right side of licensing regulations.

Does Allentown need a general contractor license?

Allentown. Neither the city of Allentown or Lehigh County have requirements for general contractor or home improvement contractor licensing. Instead, they rely on the Attorney General’s registration. However, plumbing, electrical, and sheet metal contractors do need licenses-issued by the city.

What license do I need to operate a plumbing business in Reading, MA?

To operate a plumbing or electrical contracting business in the city of Reading, you or someone on your staff must hold a masters-level license. The license requirements are as follows:

Do plumbing contractors need a license?

Plumbing contractors do require city-issued licenses. The city’s requirements aren’t explicitly outlined on its website, but the application is available. Electrical contractors also require city-issued licenses, and the requirements are more clearly outlined: Must be 21 years or older.

What do construction lawyers do?

What construction lawyers do. Construction law lawyers assist a wide variety of clients — anyone who touches the process of construction may need a construction attorney at some time or another. They represent large companies, individual workers, property owners, and sureties. There are a ton of different reasons these lawyers might be needed, ...

Why is small claims court important?

Small claims court is unique. It’s specifically designed to be a faster, less expensive, and overall more efficient version of traditional litigation. Plus, it’s designed so that lawyers aren’t really needed in the same way they’re needed in regular litigation. However, the same rule applies as above.

What is defective construction?

Claims of defective construction are one of the biggest drivers of construction litigation. Regardless of what side a party is on — whether they’re claiming a defect is present or defending against a claim of defective work — construction lawyers will help to provide clarity to the situation and might actually help to avoid litigation. They’ll be able to decipher the relevant laws and contractual duties in order to uncover who, if anyone, is at fault and who might be liable.

Is bankruptcy a construction law?

If you think construction law is unique, bankruptcy law takes things to a whole new level. There is a separate court system for bankruptcies, and not every lawyer has the experience necessary to navigate this process. A construction attorney may be able to help you through some of the procedures, but you may also want to hire a bankruptcy lawyer for this specific scenario.

Is it bad to represent yourself in court?

Even if you are entitled to, representing yourself in court is often a very bad idea. There’s a mountain of literature out there proving why. Lawyers are experts at their trade, and there’s a reason they get paid to do what they do.

Is it bad to fight a lawsuit without a lawyer?

Fighting a lawsuit without the help of a lawyer is a bad idea . Sure, a lawyer might get expensive — but losing the suit (and failing to minimize exposure) will cost a lot more. Not to mention, they might be able to identify cross-claims to work in your favor.

Can a customer file for bankruptcy?

Perhaps more problematic is when a customer or a property owner on a project files for bankruptcy, especially when you have outstanding invoices that you want to collect on . Bankruptcy courts have specific rules for creditors in a bankruptcy, which includes timing requirements for collection actions.

How to file a complaint against a company?

The more details you can provide, the more effectively we can review your complaint. Important information includes: 1 The name of the business or individual you're filing a complaint against 2 The business/individual's full address, including zip code 3 A detailed description of your complaint 4 Explanation of how you came into contact with the business/individual 5 Transaction dates and amounts 6 Contract information (when appropriate) with payment details 7 How you may have attempted to resolve the dispute, including the names of people you spoke with

What do you do when you are sued?

File lawsuits on your behalf or on behalf of individual consumers. Bring criminal charges for deceptive practices. Provide legal counsel or interpretations of the law to individuals. Routinely resolve individual complaints.