Maryland Home Improvement Laws and Regulations Flashcards
How long does a claimant have to bring a claim against the Guaranty Fund?
3 years from discovery of the loss or damage
How many days does a contractor have to respond in writing to the copy of a claim that was sent by the Commission?
10 days
If within ____________ after the Commission gives notice, a contractor on whose account a claim was paid does not reimburse the fund in full, the Commission may sue the contractor for reimbursement.
60 days
In addition to full reimbursement of the fund, a contractor is responsible to pay at least ___________ interest on the amount to reimburse.
10 percent
The state can record a lien against any real property owned by the contractor for a debt owed to the fund.
True
If the Commission pays a claim from the Fund based on the actions or omissions of a contractor, the Commission may suspend the contractor’s license until full reimbursement of the Fund plus at least 10% interest.
True
A home improvement contract in compliance with the home improvement laws would include all of the following:
- Name, address and license number of contractor
- Name and license number of salesperson involved
- Approximate start and end dates
A salesperson may not represent 2 contractors at the same time for the same project.
True
Can a salesperson legally accept money for themselves from the customer?
No
It is against the law for building and permits departments to issue a permit to a contractor without the contractor’s license number.
True
If a contractor fails to correct a violation of the building code within a reasonable time period, the county or municipality inspecting the project shall notify the Commission.
True
What is the maximum fine for contracting without a license - second offense?
$5,000 and/or 2 years in jail or both
Contractor, Jack Smith, is not getting along with Hector Jones, his customer. If he decides not to complete the contract, has Jack broken any law?
Yes
Can a contractor decide to use a material other than specified in the contract documents without getting permission from the owner?
No
Contractors may not:
- misrepresent their service or product
- make false promises
- lie on their license application
Contractor, Jack Brown, makes a deal with customer, Ameal Cougar, to provide an estimate of $40,000 on a project where the actual costs are $30,000, allowing Ameal to pocket $10,000 after securing a mortgage at $40,000 and paying off Jack. This is:
fraud, an illegal act , a misdemeanor
If a contractor’s salesperson stops selling or working with the contractor for any reason, the contractor has a responsibility to the State to inform the Commission.
True, in writing
All advertising has to provide the identifier “Maryland Home Improvement Commission License No ______________” or “MHIC#__________”.
True
What is the maximum penalty the Commission may impose upon a contractor, licensed or unlicensed, per violation of these laws:
$5,000
Advertising must be done in a way as to avoid misrepresenting the product, service or terms of sale so as not to deceive the customer.
True
An applicant must provide to the Commission, a credit report with their application.
True
How many days does a contractor have to respond to a receipt of a claim from the commission?
10 days
Does home improvement include work done on an individual condominium unit?
Yes for individual units, no for common areas
Does home improvement include work done on a swimming pool?
Yes