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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Address
Suite 5100
Boston, MA 02116
About Us
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, led by Undersecretary Layla R. D'Emilia, oversees the state’s Lemon Laws and Lemon Law Arbitration, Data Breach reporting, Home Improvement Contractor Programs, and the state’s Do Not Call Registry. We assist Massachusetts consumers, home improvement contractors, people seeking help with a recently purchased car, and businesses seeking to report a data breach or interested in the data breach notification law.
Current consumer protection initiatives include recommendations for statutory changes to the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Program and proposed legislation for Electronic Vehicle (EV) Charger Testing.
Our Organizations
We also oversee 5 regulatory agencies. Click to see which of our agencies below is best suited to address your concern or question!
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Featured Topics
Building & Trades Licenses
The state regulates building and trades related to construction work and similar projects. Learn about licensing rules in Massachusetts.
- Division of Occupational Licensure: Check a license
- Architects
- Landscape Architects
- Building Permits
- Building Code Enforcement Officials
- Construction Supervisors
- DCAMM Contractor Certification
- Home Improve Contractors
- Electricians
- Elevator Contractors
- Elevator Inspections and Permits
- Elevator Operators and Mechanics
- Professional Engineers
- Hoisting Engineers
- Gasfitters
- LP Installers
- Plumbers
- Land Surveyors
- Pipefitters
- Refrigeration Technicians
- Sprinkler Fitters
- Security Systems (S-License)
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Trenches
Division of Occupational Licensure Boards of Registration
The Division of Occupational Licensure oversees 39 boards of registration licenses individuals and businesses in some 167 trades and professions.
- Board of Registration of Architects
- Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Board of State Examiners of Electricians
- Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing
- Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
- Board of Registration of Landscape Architects
- Board of Registration of Massage Therapy
- Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities
- Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
- Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
- Board of Public Accountancy
- Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers
- Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
- Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers
- Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine
- Office of Private Occupational School Education
- Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Consumer Protection
Massachusetts enforces laws to protect consumers from fraud, deception, and other unfair business practices.