DCA vigorously
enforces City rules that protect homeowners stuck with unfinished, shoddy work
by home improvement contractors. The most common homeowner complaints include
contractors who renege on their contracts, or contractors working without a
license.
When DCA discovers an unlicensed home improvement business, the agency takes
possession of contractors' vehicles. Contractors must pay a fine, resolve any
outstanding complaints, and agree to get licensed before they can retrieve their
vehicles.
By law, any person or business that solicits, canvasses, sells, performs, or
obtains home improvement work that costs more than $200 must get a license from
DCA to operate legally in New York City. Home improvement work can be any type
of remodeling or repair including: awnings, basements, central heating/air
conditioning, cabinet installation, central vacuum cleaning system,
communications systems, driveways, fences, garages, patios, porches, roofing,
sidewalks, storm windows, swimming pools, and terraces. Landscaping is also
considered home improvement, with proper planting and installation of lawn
sprinklers as examples of common work.
Although a license does not ensure competence, requirements for contractors
to operate legally provide further protection for consumers. Licensed
contractors must undergo a criminal history check, pass a written examination on
their knowledge of the law and contracts, and contribute $200 to the Home
Improvement Contractor Trust Fund at the time of application and each time they
renew or post a bond. DCA's Trust Fund reimburses homeowners – up to a maximum
of $15,000 – who hired a licensed contractor who subsequently damaged their home
and went out of business or left town.
A license also provides benefits for contractors, allowing them to pay into
the Trust Fund and, therefore, saving the expense of obtaining a bond. In
addition, licensed contractors have greater recourse to defend themselves from
false claims or when a client refuses to pay when the job is done.
Always use a licensed home improvement contractor and
salesperson. Check with your local consumer protection agency to learn
if a contractor is licensed. In New York City call 311 or use DCA's Instant License Check.
Learn Ways to Make Seniors' Homes "Age-Friendly" Created by DCA and the Department for the Aging, this flyer offers tips on working with seniors, making homes senior-friendly, and helping seniors go "green."
Get information (English and Español)