New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Consumer Law Registration Requirements
No Home Improvement Contractor shall offer to perform, or engage, or attempt to engage in the business of making or selling residential home improvements unless registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Violators of the Contractors’ Registration Act are subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up to $20,000 for subsequent violations.
Contractors must do the following:
- Register annually with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/HIC/
Prominently display the Registration Number beginning with “HIC reg.#” on the following:
- Within contractors place of business;
- In all advertisements (including direct mailings, lawn signs, posters etc.);
- On business documents, contracts and correspondence with consumers; and
- On all commercial vehicles.
- The word “LICENSE” should not be used!
- Prominently display your original registration certificate or a duplicate registration certificate issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs at each place of business.
All home improvement contracts in excess of $500, and all changes in the terms and conditions of the contract, shall be in writing, and shall include, but not limited to:
- The legal name, business address, and registration number of the contractor, and the legal name and business address of any sales representatives who negotiated the contract;
- A copy of the certificate of general liability insurance for a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence and the telephone number of the insurance company issuing the certificate;
- Description of work to be performed and principal products and materials to be used or installed;
- Statement of any guarantee or warranty with respect to any product, material, labor or service made by the contractor;
- Description of any mortgage or security interest to be taken in connection with the financing or sale of the home improvement;
- Total price (including finance charges);
- Signatures of all parties involved;
- Start and completion dates or time frames;
- The Division of Consumer Affairs’ toll-free telephone number: 1-800-242-5846
