Key Facts
| Statutory basis | MGL c.142A |
|---|---|
| Administering agency | Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) |
| Required for | Residential improvement work over $1,000 |
| Format | Registration (vs examination-based licensing) |
| Initial requirements | Insurance, bond, application, $150 fee |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years |
| Consumer protection mechanism | $10,000 Guaranty Fund |
| Verification database | mass.gov OCABR HIC lookup |
| Mandatory contract clauses | 3-day cancellation, $1,000 deposit max, written terms |
| Penalty for unregistered work | Civil penalty + loss of payment rights |
| Out-of-state contractors | Must register in MA for any MA residential work over $1K |
Related Sub-Entities
- Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund — $10K consumer recovery mechanism
- MGL c.93 §48 — 3-day cancellation right under door-to-door sales law
- Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — Separate license for structural work
- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation — Administering state agency
Licenses — Related Pro Build Services
- Construction & Remodeling — MA HIC + CSL on every project.
- Kitchen Remodels — HIC-registered with Guaranty Fund coverage.
- Bathroom Remodels — HIC-registered for consumer protection.