HB 57: Improving Home Contracting

Delaware HB57 focuses on regulating two main areas of home improvement contracts, by 1) outlining how a buyer can cancel a contract they’re not happy with, as well as what they can do in case of contract violations, and 2) introducing specific penalties for contractors convicted of home improvement fraud.

First, this bill would make it so that home improvement contracts for work over $500 must include language that states a buyer may cancel the contract within 3 days after signing it. Additionally, seniors as well as impaired or disabled adults can cancel their contracts within 5 days after signing.

If a contract is canceled, a contractor would then need to return all deposits to the buyer within 10 days of receiving notice.

As far as penalties for home improvement fraud, a contractor would now lose their license after receiving two qualifying convictions. After losing their license they would still be able to work for another contractor, but they would no longer be able to own, operate, or solicit for a licensed contractor business.

The Delaware Working Families Party supports these changes to the Delaware Code, because they provide increased and specific protections for Delaware homeowners and residents. You can get in touch with your Delaware representatives to voice your support for this bill by looking up their contact info at the Delaware “Find My Legislator” page