DINNIMAN: NEW LAW PROTECTS HOMEOWNERS FROM FRAUD

            WEST CHESTER, June 25 – State Senator Andy Dinniman reminded homeowners and contractors that the new Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) takes effect on July 1.

            “This law will help ensure that the job and price homeowners contract for is the job and price they get,” Dinniman said. “It will also help the vast majority of home improvement contractors who are hardworking and honest by weeding out those who are not.”

            The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act offers new protection for those who hire contractors and authorizes criminal penalty for fraud.  Under the act, contractors are required to develop written contracts with the consumer when the cash price of work exceeds $500. 

            HICPA requires that every contract contain approximate start and completion dates of the work, a description of work to be performed, contact information for subcontractors and an agreement that the contractor will maintain liability insurance covering personal injury and insurance for property damage during the life of the project. 

            Under HICPA, all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year must register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office. 

           The deadline for registration is July 1, 2009.

            Senator Dinniman said that his office is working to inform home improvement professionals of this new law and what they must do to comply with it.

             “Not all contractors must register. For instance, certain landscaping work such as lawn cutting and hedge trimming is exempt under the act,” Dinniman said. “However, I urge any contractors who are unsure of their status, to contact the Attorney General's Office as soon as possible. The July 1 deadline is right around the corner.”

            Once approved, contractors will receive a registration number that must be used in all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals with consumers. 

            “This legislation is a step in the right direction for both homeowners and the home improvement industry,” Dinniman said.

           For more information on HICPA, or to register online, please visit the Attorney General's Web site at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx.

            Applications are also available at Senator Dinniman’s West Chester District Office, or can be obtained by calling (717)-772-2425.

            For more information, call Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.

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