Some of our customers have contacted us about the state denying their license renewal due to the fact that they didn’t provide a copy of their HIC Registration. The explanation that is given reads: Pursuant to the HIC Act, any contractor who contracts with a homeowner for work exceeding $1,000 to an existing 1-4 family, owner-occupied, primary residence is typically required to be registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Exceptions may apply. Please see M.G.L. c. 142A, § 1 and 201 C.M.R. 18.00 for more information. We were unable to confirm that you are registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC).
The states response:
The BBRS did authorized this process during its August, 2017 meeting.
Essentially, this is an effort to get those licensees, who may also perform home improvement contractor work as defined by the laws, to become registered if not already. The requirement has been in place since 1992.
The licensee has three options when filing an application to renew your CSL.
- To provide a current HIC number if already registered.
- To indicate that they indeed perform such work, but are not yet registered, then get registered. Once registered, they can submit the number and the application process will be completed.
- Provide an explanation that registration is not required. For instance, as you mention, if a licensee only builds new homes, he\she is not required to be registered.
If the CSL licensee does not perform HIC related work, they simply needs to provide a short explanation as to why and can either fax or email a statement back to the DPL.
I am registered
I am a roofing contractor only. I do nothing but roofs. This is why I don’t have a HIC.
If the roof is for a homeowner you most certainly do need an H.I.C (assuming the roof is $1000+)
My CLLS licence does not perform HIC related work. I am a roofing contractor only.
They just keep draining us for every penny they can get. I have an HIC, thinking of letting the CSL expire. The classes every 2 years a farce, all about$.
I am all set, renewed my CS in person last week…Thanks
Here we go again; presumed guilty first and left to prove that we’re following the rules. This is yet another incentive to throw arms in the air and go underground. The state continues to cost us (legitimate contractors) more money and time. I gave up my HIC renewal when the fee exemption for CS holders was rescinded. I’m not willing or fiscally able to withstand much more. Write your congressman today.
Still awaiting my license. Sine I am semi retired and do only small jobs, the CSL is never used, but earned it years ago and maintain it in good faith. Tired of the state and the money grubbing fees ( Reality is a fee is a non descriptive TAX ), play with words, and HIC fund overflowing with cash, that was never paid out to customer claims, for fraud.
That’s why there is a multi billion underground economy around the USA and the world, hardworking individuals can’t keep what they earn. Socialism i has a 100% failure rate.
PS they cashed my check within 72 hours of my mailing.
I am still waiting for my renewal to be mailed to me. I applied on-line and sent my course completion cert. as well as made the required payment. Now a month has passed without receiving my renewed license. I called the Public safety office that issues the license several times and was only able to leave a message. I have yet to receive a return call so I Guess I’ll have to take a train and walk my 79 year old butt up that rediculouss hill on Wed. I only do work on my own buildings and am required to have a license because they contain more than 4 units.
Who gets to see how much money goes into the guarantee fund and how much gets paid out for its intended purpose? How much just gets consumed by the department collecting the fees?
Same thing happened to me. Form letter, I called after searching for a number (conveniently left out of letter). Got thru the first time. Person asked for my CSL and SS and then said “your all set, you’ll receive your lic within 5 business days.” Call didn’t take 5 min after I found the number. Frustration having to deal with it. Pet peeve, CSL renewal takes company check, HIC has to have certified check or money order. Both take time and cost $
Does anybody have the fax number ?
I sent in my renewal to this money grabbing pain in the ass state two months ago and still haven’t heard back! I have a HIC, why do I have to prove it? Wouldn’t you think they would know that or easy to find that out ? Because these are all systems created by them! They never pick up the phone. This state SUCKS plain and simple! I can’t wait till the day I retire and no longer have to deal with this bullshit!
I don’t do residential work.