Newpro FAQ

Did you hire Newpro? Need help?

Newpro closed its business operations on October 28, 2025, and has filed for bankruptcy. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), through its Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Program, may be able to assist you, if you hired Newpro and have suffered actual loss due to their closure.

The HIC Program includes arbitration for resolving disputes with contractors and a Guaranty Fund to compensate eligible consumers up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against contractors. The Guaranty Fund is a fund of last resort for homeowners who are unable to pursue any other remedy to collect money owed to them as a result of a court order or arbitration award.

Homeowners may also file a complaint against a contractor that may result in disciplinary action being taken against the contractor after an enforcement hearing.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about these HIC consumer protection programs.

Q: How might the HIC program help me if I hired Newpro?

You may be eligible for assistance through the arbitration and Guaranty Fund programs, which are meant to assist homeowners who have suffered actual loss (such as costs to repair, replace, or complete the work outlined in your contract) and are unable to recoup those losses from a registered contractor.

Q: Do I qualify for arbitration?

Before requesting arbitration, you must meet eligibility requirements. To qualify, you must show:

• There was a written and signed contract for the job;
• The contractor was registered with the HIC program at the time of the contract;
• Filing deadline is within five years from the date of the contract;
• The work was done on a pre-existing, one to four family, owner-occupied, primary residence in Massachusetts; and
• You incurred costs to repair, replace, or complete the work outlined in your contract.

If you qualify, you will be responsible for paying an arbitration fee.

Q: Why should I choose arbitration?

If you are seeking a monetary claim against a registered contractor, then you should file an arbitration claim.

If your claim meets eligibility requirements, an impartial arbitrator will be appointed by OCABR to resolve the dispute by issuing a legally binding decision that may award you monetary damages. This step is necessary to eventually apply to the Guaranty Fund.

Q: How much will I have to pay for arbitration?

The fee depends on the amount of damages sought:

• $500 for claims up to $9,999
• $750 for claims between $10,000 and $24,999
• $1,000 for claims between $25,000 and $49,999
• $1,250 for claims greater than $50,000.

If the arbitrator awards you monetary damages, the fee is included in the award amount.

Q: Do I need an attorney?

You are not required to retain an attorney for HIC arbitration. The process is less formal than a court proceeding and many participants appear without a lawyer.

Q: What award amount can I expect from arbitration?

Each award depends on the case details and actual loss determined by the arbitrator during the arbitration process (such as costs to repair, replace, or complete the work outlined in your contract).  An award from an arbitrator (or court judgement) is one requirement to apply for the Guaranty Fund where eligible claimants may receive up to $25,000.

Q: How can I request arbitration?

You can request arbitration at the MA Contractor Hub. Please review the eligibility requirements before submitting your request.

Q: How do I apply for the Guaranty Fund?

If you received an award for monetary damages and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for a Guaranty Fund claim at the MA Contractor Hub. Please include your “actual loss” amount in the application, evidence of your arbitration award or court judgement, and explanation for how you tried to collect the amount owed. This claim must be submitted no later than seven years from the date of contract.

Q: Will filing a complaint help me get my money back?

No. Filing a complaint against any contractor will not result in a monetary award for you, but it may result in disciplinary action being taken against the contractor after an enforcement hearing.

Q: How do I submit a complaint?

You can review complaint information and submit a complaint against a contractor at the MA Contractor Hub. You may also file a consumer complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Q: How do I use the MA Contractor Hub?

Please follow the instructions in our Homeowner Guide to the MA Contractor Hub, our quick how-to reference. OCABR understands the hardship that situations like this can cause. We are committed to helping you and other homeowners through the HIC Program.