what can the attorney general office do to a contractor illinois

by Mrs. Jayda Brakus I 6 min read

If this happened to you, you can hire an attorney and sue the general contractor. The law offers some protection The Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act requires contractors to furnish customers with written contracts for any repair or remodeling work costing more than $1,000.

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What are the responsibilities of a general contractor in Illinois?

Complaints received by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General demonstrate that unscrupulous home repair contractors use some common techniques to gain the confidence of home owners. Unscrupulous contractors might tell you they have "leftovers" from a larger job and can do the repair work for you at a discount. They might attempt to frighten you by claiming that your …

Who is the current Attorney General of Illinois?

The Attorney General’s office investigates and litigates cases to protect workers’ rights, including cases targeting discriminatory hiring and employment practices, payroll fraud, unlawfully restrictive employment contracts and wage law violations. The office also advocates for stronger worker protection legislation.

Does Illinois regulate general contractors and electrical contractors?

500 South Second Street. Springfield, IL 62701. Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Consumer Protection Division. 100 West Randolph Street. Chicago, Illinois 60601. NOTE: If you experience problems with opening a consumer complaint form we recommend that you save the PDF form to your hard drive, then fill out and print from your PC.

How do I hire a contractor in Illinois?

Protecting Consumers. Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Consumer Protection Division protects Illinois consumers and businesses victimized by fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. The work of the Division is carried out by the following bureaus: Consumer Fraud Bureau, Charitable Trust Bureau, Franchise Bureau, Health Care Bureau, and ...

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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 you deal with an incompetent contractor?

How to Deal With a Bad Contractor
  1. Fire the Contractor. Firing your contractor may seem obvious, but it's not an easy step when things go seriously wrong. ...
  2. Request a Hearing. ...
  3. Hire an Attorney. ...
  4. Take Your Case to Small Claims Court. ...
  5. File Complaints and Bad Reviews.

How long is a contractor liable for work in Illinois?

Illinois's Construction Statute of Limitations and Repose

First, the claimant has four years to file suit; this is known as the “statute of limitations.” The four-year period begins to run from the time the claimant “knew or should reasonably have known ...” of the act or omission giving rise to the claim.
Nov 17, 2016

What is the role of the Attorney General in Illinois?

The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer and is responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and its people. Litigate to ensure state and federal laws are followed and respected. The Attorney General provides services that cover a broad range of issues, reaching every corner of Illinois.

How do you deal with a dishonest contractor?

Hopefully, the contractor will make things right to get his or her money.
  1. Complain. Because you hired a licensed contractor, you can file a complaint with the government agency that licensed them. ...
  2. Tap their bond. ...
  3. Go to arbitration. ...
  4. Take it to court. ...
  5. Seek government compensation. ...
  6. More from Lifestyle:
Apr 17, 2018

What should you not say to a contractor?

Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor
  • Never 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.

How much can a contractor ask for up front in Illinois?

“A construction contract may provide for the withholding of retainage of up to 10% of any payment made prior to the completion of 50% of the contract.” For the first half of the project, retainage can be withheld up to 10%.Aug 28, 2019

Does a handyman need a license in Illinois?

Handymen and general contractors are not required to have a state license to work in Illinois. However, many local jurisdictions including Chicago, require that handymen and contractors have a general contractor license.

How long do you have to cancel a contract in Illinois?

Illinois law provides citizens with the right to cancel certain consumer transactions within three business days. However, many people mistakenly believe that you have a three-day right to cancel all transactions.

What does an Attorney General do?

The Attorney General is chief legal adviser to the Crown and has a number of independent public interest functions, as well as overseeing the Law Officers' departments.

Who is charge of the Illinois Attorney General's office?

Kwame Raoul
The powers of the Attorney General provide that he is to assist State's Attorneys in prosecutions "when, in his judgment, the interest of the people of the State requires it." (15 ILCS 205/ 4.)
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Attorneys General of Illinois.
Daniel Pope Cook1819
Jim Ryan1995-2003
Lisa Madigan2003-2019
Kwame Raoul2019-Present
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Who is in charge of the Illinois Attorney General?

Attorney General Kwame Raoul
Attorney General Kwame Raoul (Democrat) was sworn in as the 42nd Attorney General of Illinois in January 2019.

Does the Attorney General require a Social Security number?

The Attorney General's Office does not require that you provide your Social Security Number or information as to your citizenship status in order to file a consumer complaint. The information you submit will be used by attorneys, investigators, and other members of the Attorney General’s staff involved in carrying out the functions, programs, ...

Can an Illinois attorney represent you in a lawsuit?

Although our attorneys cannot represent an individual in a lawsuit, our mediation program may be able to assist you in resolving disputes or complaints. Promptness in making a complaint decreases the likelihood that a fly-by-night operator will move, leave town, or go out of business before consumers can gain assistance.

The law offers some protection

The Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act requires contractors to furnish customers with written contracts for any repair or remodeling work costing more than $1,000. A contract must be signed by both the customer and the contractor.

Contractor caused damage to home

In one case intentionally caused what appeared to be hail damage to the home of a couple in order to charge them for repairs. As a result of the damage done, the couple’s insurance rates were increased by an additional $600 per year.

Tips to protect yourself from scammers

When you are under the gun to repair your home after storm damage, getting scammed by a general contractor or remodler can be easier then you think. Here are some tips to consider after a major storm:

What banks did the Attorney General's Office help with the foreclosure settlement?

the Attorney General's Office counterparts in other states and the federal government reached the settlement with the nation's five largest banks – Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Ally Bank – over allegations of widespread “robo-signing” of foreclosure documents and other fraudulent practices that affected struggling homeowners. The settlement was the second largest settlement ever obtained through joint action of state attorneys general.

How much money did Illinois get from the foreclosure settlement?

Under the settlement, Illinois homeowners received $2 billion in direct mortgage relief. In addition, the Attorney General's Office secured $100 million in funding for the state that she allocated to legal aid programs in Illinois, foreclosure court mediation programs, housing counseling efforts, as well as programs and initiatives to help rebuild communities and provide access to housing in communities most affected by the foreclosure crisis.

How to get a general contractor license in Chicago?

The City of Chicago Department of Buildings will request you to provide the necessary information and documentation to accompany your application to determine if you are qualified for a general contractors license. This requires several decisions to be made by the applicant. To adequately prepare your application for a general contractors license in Chicago, you will have to: 1 Provide a description of the work and services you aim to perform. 2 Specify the classification of license you are applying for. 3 Clarify your business structure and provide additional company information. 4 Identify and verify by affidavit that the applicant or member of your business entity is financially stable. 5 Provide a certificate of insurance to the City of Chicago naming the City of Chicago as an additional insured. The insurer who provides liability insurance must also be authorized to insure in Illinois.. 6 Sign and complete application. 7 Pay all licensing fees.

How to become a general contractor in Chicago?

To become a general contractor in Chicago, you will also need to disclose your business structure. Naturally, this involves acquiring a business license through the City of Chicago Business Affair s and Consumer Protection Department. The City of Chicago Department of Buildings will request you to provide the necessary information ...

What is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation provides a database to lookup and verify any professional license in Illinois by license number, business name, and personal name.

What is the business license system in Chicago?

The City of Chicago will have its own set of business license requirements. Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships may register through the Chicago Business License Application System, under the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Division. If you are operating under an assumed business name or Doing Business As, you will register through the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

What is required to register a business in Illinois?

Businesses that operate within Illinois are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the Illinois Department of Revenue for more information about business registration ...

Do businesses need workers comp insurance?

Businesses with employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission .

Does Chicago require a trade license?

Specialty trade licensing will require passing an exam. The City of Chicago cooperates with Continental Testing Centers to conduct all trade licensure exams. Visit the Continental Testing Centers’ website for more information on scheduling, testing locations, and examination fees.

Who is the attorney general of Illinois?

The current attorney general of Illinois is Lisa Madigan . She has served in that position since 2003 and is the first woman to hold this office. Following the November 2018 election, Kwame Raoul is the attorney general-elect of Illinois. Like Madigan, he is a Democrat. He will assume office on January 14, 2019.

What are the issues that the Attorney General's Office works with?

Disability and veterans rights. Labor and employment. Freedom of Information Act. Open Meetings Act. The methamphetamine crisis. When necessary, the attorney general’s office also works with state and local law enforcement agencies on investigating these issues.

What is the office of the Attorney General?

The attorney general’s office generally focuses on crimes in which the state itself a victim or a defendant or in which a state officer acting in his or her official capacity is the defendant. 1. There are situations in which both the attorney general and the state's attorney have jurisdiction over a case.

Who is required to represent the state officer in any proceedings brought against him?

If, however, the state official is involved in an accident while on the job, for instance while delivering state-owned goods in a state-owned vehicle during work hours, then the attorney general is required to represent the state officer in any proceedings brought against him. 4.

Who is the chief legal officer of the state?

The attorney general is the chief legal officer of the state.

Does the Attorney General have to defend the state officer?

For instance, if a state officer was jogging in the morning and was involved in an accident, the attorney general of the state would not be required to represent or defend the state officer as the accident occurred while he or she was off the job. If, however, the state official is involved in an accident while on the job, for instance while delivering state-owned goods in a state-owned vehicle during work hours, then the attorney general is required to represent the state officer in any proceedings brought against him.

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