Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced on May 15 that her office has filed two lawsuits against residential contractors who failed to register under the state’s Residential Contractor law. The cases were brought in Vermont Superior Court in Chittenden and Washington counties after the contractors did not comply with registration requirements despite being notified by the state.
The action is significant because, since 2023, Vermont law requires residential contractors to register with the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation when working on contracts valued at $10,000 or more. The law also mandates written contracts for projects over this amount and requires contractors to carry insurance. These measures are intended to ensure consumer protection and a secure marketplace for home repairs and improvements.
The Attorney General’s Office is seeking court orders to compel the defendants to stop their unlawful activities, bring their businesses into compliance with state law, and pay penalties to the State of Vermont.
“Residential contractors provide a crucial service to our state by helping Vermonters repair or improve their homes,” said Attorney General Clark. “Registration is essential for a secure marketplace and to reassure Vermonters that businesses are operating legitimately. Residential contractors who fail to comply with the law, or rip people off, could be subject to enforcement actions.”
Clark encouraged any contractor unaware of these legal requirements to contact the Office of Professional Regulation for information about registration and compliance procedures. Further details can be found on the Secretary of State’s Residential Contractors page.
Copies of complaints related to these lawsuits are available upon request.
