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Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractors in the District of Columbia and the “Disgorgement Rule”
Home improvement contractors performing remodeling, repair, replacement and/or alteration work on a residential property in the District of Columbia (DC) are required to possess a home improvement contractor’s license. 16 DCMR § 800.1. Pursuant to 16 DCMR § 800.1: No...
Bonding Off Mechanic’s Liens in The District Of Columbia
When a contractor or subcontractor does not receive payment on a construction project in the District of Columbia it has several options on how to proceed, including, in some circumstances, recording a Notice of Mechanic’s Lien against the subject property where the...
Federal Employees: How and when to initiate an EEO complaint
Unfortunately, even in the federal workplace, employees at times face unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Yet, many federal employees are unaware of exactly how to assert their EEO rights. This article provides a brief overview of how federal...
Does A Handyman Need A License in Maryland?
The answer to this question depends on the type of work being performed. A home improvement license is required to perform “home improvement” work in Maryland. “Home improvement” means “the addition to or alteration, conversion, improvement, modernization,...
Whistleblower Protection Act
The Whistleblower Protection Act: What it is and how it protects federal workers The Whistleblower Protection Act is a federal law that was enacted to protect federal employees who “blow the whistle” on illegal or other wrongful conduct in the federal government.[1]...
Mechanic’s Lien Notice Requirements In Maryland
A mechanic’s lien is a statutory right enabling those who provide labor or materials on a construction project to secure a lien on the property for the value of any unpaid work. Maryland’s mechanic’s lien law is designed to encourage construction by affording this...
Mandatory Contents of Home Improvement Contracts In The District of Columbia
Contracts for construction related home improvement projects in the District of Columbia (“DC”) must include a number of mandatory terms and information to comply with the DC home improvement regulations, 16 DCMR § 800 et seq. A copy of the DC home improvement...
Maryland Lottery Prize Transfers
Under Maryland law, winners of Maryland Lottery prizes that are payable in installments over a period of time may be voluntary sold or assigned by the prizewinner in accordance with MD Code, State Government § 9-122 et seq. (Regulation of prizes and payments)....
Virginia Lottery Prize Transfers
Under Virginia law, winners of Virginia Lottery prizes that are payable in installments over a period of time may be voluntary sold or assigned by the prizewinner in accordance with Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-4020.1 (Voluntary assignment of lottery prizes or pledge as...
What To Do When You Find Out a Contractor is Unlicensed
I HIRED A CONTRACTOR TO RENOVATE MY HOUSE AND LATER FOUND OUT THAT HE IS UNLICENSED, WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? In the District of Columbia, a contractor performing “home improvement work” must possess a home improvement license or home improvement salesperson license....