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Blog Post  Roslindale Homeowners Receive HIC Guaranty Fund Check

1/31/2020
  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Roslindale Homeowners Receive HIC Guaranty Fund Check

On Friday, January 24th, the Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Edward A. Palleschi, presented two Roslindale homeowners with checks from the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Guaranty Fund, a fund that is administered by the Office. The homeowners received checks for $7,000, and $10,000 respectively. State Representative Angelo Scaccio as well as representatives from Mayor Walsh’s Office and the Roslindale business community joined the Undersecretary at the Roslindale Community Center with members of the public in attendance.

What is the Guaranty Fund?

The Guaranty Fund program compensates eligible homeowners up to $10,000 for unpaid judgments they have received against contractors for poor workmanship and failure to adhere to the terms of their contract. It is a fund of last resort for such homeowners who must also demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to collect their judgment from the contractor and it remains unpaid.

To be eligible to apply for the Guaranty Fund, the homeowner must apply to the fund within 6 months of receiving an Arbitration award or a court judgment against the contractor. Eligibility may be checked here.

Before Signing the Contract

As a homeowner, you must take precautions when engaging a home improvement contractor to perform a project at your home. Not only should you, the homeowner, always check to ensure that your contractor is registered as part of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s HIC Program, but you should also conduct your due diligence by checking references, obtaining 3 proposals, and reviewing what the contract terms should include.  See here: link to our sample contract and page of info.

  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation 

    The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation protects and empowers consumers through advocacy and education, and ensures a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate.
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