Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) Contract Program

Links:

» Purchase the HICPA Contractor's Document Package

This Package is suggested for use by contractors (other than alarm security companies) performing general home improvements to which HICPA applies.

» Purchase the HICPA Alarm Security Company Document Package

This Package is suggested for use by alarm security companies providing sale/installation, lease and/or existing system take over services to which HICPA applies.

» HICPA Contract Frequently Asked Questions

The Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (hereinafter "HICPA") is a sweeping new law passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature, which becomes effective July 1, 2009.

In general, if you provide "Home Improvement" services over $500.00 to an owner of a private residence, you must comply with HICPA requirements.

There are civil and criminal penalties if you fail to comply with HICPA requirements.

"Home Improvements" are defined broadly under HICPA, and generally include all work for more than $500.00 at a private residence (other than new home construction which is not subject to HICPA) such as repair, replacement, remodeling, renovation, installation, conversion, improvements and alterations.

If, for example, you are a Contractor, Carpenter, Painter, Cabinet Maker, Drywaller, Plumber, Electrician, Roofer, or Alarm Company you must comply with HICPA. If, for example, you build, install or repair Additions, Patios, Fences, Basements, Gazebos, Sheds, Cabanas, Siding, Insulation, Flooring, Decks, Swimming Pools, Pool Houses, Porches, Garages, Roofs, Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, or Solar Energy Systems, at a private residence, you must comply with HICPA. Landscapers (unless expressly excluded by HICPA) you too must comply.

HICPA requires each "Home Improvement" Contractor to formally register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Pennsylvania Attorney General (the "Bureau"), and renew registration every two years thereafter.

You may register with the Bureau under HICPA at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx. You may also download or print a copy of the HICPA law by clicking this link and then clicking on the "Home Improvement Law" icon. We strongly recommend that you personally read and review the complete HICPA law to ensure that you understand and comply with all of the terms, conditions, requirements and prohibitions of HICPA. If you have questions about the registration process, you may call 717-772-2425. To check and see if a Home Improvement Contractor is registered, you may call 888-520-6680.

Upon registration, you will receive a unique registration number. This registration number must then be written on every "Home Improvement" Contract and advertisement.

UNDER HICPA, YOU MUST HAVE A WRITTEN CONTRACT SIGNED AND DATED BY YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMER WHICH COMPLIES WITH CERTAIN MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

Again, HICPA goes into effect on July 1, 2009. PLEASE BE PREPARED. YOU MUST HAVE A HICPA-COMPLIANT CONTRACT BY THAT DEADLINE.