Contractors and Repair Shops in District of Columbia
Licensing, written contracts, deposits and estimates for home improvement contractors and auto repair shops in District of Columbia.
Short answer: The Attorney General advises checking that a home improvement contractor's license is valid and current with the District's licensing agency before signing, getting a detailed written contract that describes the work and the contractor's duty to get permits, never paying in full before… Office of the Attorney General for D.C., 7 Tips to Prevent Home Contractor Scams
| Home improvement contractors | The Attorney General advises checking that a home improvement contractor's license is valid and current with the District's licensing agency before signing, getting a detailed written contract that describes the work and the contractor's duty to get permits, never paying in full before the work is done, and, as a rule of thumb, negotiating a deposit of no more than one-third of the total. Complaints about contractors can go to the Attorney General. The one-third deposit figure is the Attorney General's suggested rule of thumb, not a legal limit stated on that page. |
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Where to get help in District of Columbia
- Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Office of Consumer Protection (Consumer and Tenant Response)
- File a complaint or claim
More District of Columbia consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in District of Columbia
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in District of Columbia
- Filing a Consumer Complaint in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia consumer protection rules
FAQ
What are the rules for home improvement contractors in District of Columbia?
The Attorney General advises checking that a home improvement contractor's license is valid and current with the District's licensing agency before signing, getting a detailed written contract that describes the work and the contractor's duty to get permits, never paying in full before the work is done, and, as a rule of thumb, negotiating a deposit of no more than one-third of the total. Complaints about contractors can go to the Attorney General.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.