IMPORTANT UPDATE: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR MARYLAND HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS
In July 2011, the Maryland Legislature amended the Maryland Home Improvement Law. Under the new law, all Home Improvement Contractors (“HICs”) in the State of Maryland are required to include an additional notice in their home improvement contracts with homeowners. According to the new law, the notice was to be drafted by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (“MHIC”).
After a lengthy delay, MHIC finally drafted the notice. As of June 7, 2012, the notice was being published in the Maryland Register, and it is expected to be finalized by the end of June 2012.
In short, the required notice language: (1) notifies homeowners of the availability of mediation through the MHIC; and (2) explains that homeowners have the right to request that their contractor purchase a performance bond for additional protection against losses not covered by the Maryland Guaranty Fund.
In most cases, contracts can be amended with little or no effort. However, if you are a Home Improvement Contractor in Maryland, this might be the opportunity to have your contract reviewed and modified to assure compliance with Maryland law.
Brian Loffredo is a principal in Offit Kurman’s Baltimore/Washington office. If you have any questions about the content of this article or other construction matters, please contact Mr. Loffredo at 301.575.0345 or bloffredo@offitkurman.com.