On July 1, 2009, the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) went into effect. HICPA applies to all persons owning or operating a home improvement business doing $5,000 or more each taxable year, including those who are subcontractors.

The Act requires that each home improvement contractor or subcontractor register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General. This involves providing various pieces of information in order to obtain a registration number which must be clearly included on all contracts, advertisements, estimates, and proposals. Home improvement contractors are required to list a physical address and may not use a P.O. Box as an address.

HICPA also requires the use of legible written contracts which must be signed and include various information such as the contractor’s name, address, telephone number, description of work, identification of all known subcontractors, approximate starting and completion dates as well as certain specific language set forth in the Act. The Act specifically prohibits certain things in home improvement contracts such as confession of judgment clauses, provisions for attorneys’ fees and costs, or waivers of code requirements.

Violations of HICPA can lead to criminal charges for Home Improvement Fraud and civil remedies that may include an award of triple damages and attorneys’ fees.

For help with your home improvement contracts and other litigation issues, contact Attorney Hunter Schenck at [email protected] or use the Contact Us Form to set up a consultation with Attorney Schenck.

Hunter B. Schenck

Attorney

Hunter B. Schenck provides legal services to individuals and businesses in the area of litigation. Hunter is ranked as a 2021, 2022, and 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Star. She has been elected as a Board Member of the York County Bar Association and serves as a member of the Membership and Continuing Legal Education Committees. She was the 2020 Chair of the York County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and is a member of the Herbert Cohen Inn of Court. Hunter was a member of the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 Bar Stools Casts.

Read Hunter’s Bio Page in full HERE.