# COMAR Title 09 — Maryland Department of Labor

## Subtitle 08 — Home Improvement Commission

### Chapter 01 — General Regulations

**Authority:** Business Regulation Article, §§8-207(a), 8-212(a)(1) and (2), 8-309, 8-311(a)(11)—(13), 8-501(c)(1)(ix), and 8-616, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation adopted effective May 19, 1986 (13:10 Md. R. 1154)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 repealed effective December 1, 1986 (13:24 Md. R. 2557)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .07 and .20 amended effective January 16, 1984 (11:1 Md. R. 42)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .23 and .24 amended effective November 19, 1984 (11:23 Md. R. 1991)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .31 amended effective August 25, 1978 (5:17 Md. R. 1328)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .32 amended effective August 3, 1977 (4:16 Md. R. 1211)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .33—.34 effective June 19, 1974

**Administrative History:** Regulation .33 repealed and new Regulation .33 adopted effective November 19, 1984 (11:23 Md. R. 1991)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .35 adopted effective June 1, 1979 (6:11 Md. R. 978)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .36 adopted effective May 16, 1980 (7:10 Md. R. 952)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .36D amended effective December 2, 1985 (12:24 Md. R. 2347)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .37 adopted effective November 19, 1984 (11:23 Md. R. 1991)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .38 adopted effective March 25, 1985 (12:6 Md. R. 594)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .39 adopted effective March 25, 1985 (12:6 Md. R. 595)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .40 adopted effective May 19, 1986 (13:10 Md. R. 1154)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .41 adopted effective April 20, 1987 (14:8 Md. R. 938)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective December 14, 1987 (14:25 Md. R. 2658)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B, D amended effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended effective July 10, 2000 (27:13 Md. R. 1211)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 adopted effective February 22, 1988 (15:4 Md. R. 471)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09B amended effective February 19, 2001 (28:3 Md. R. 205)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .11 amended effective June 1, 1995 (22:10 Md. R. 705)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .16C amended effective August 6, 1990 (17:15 Md. R. 1857)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .17 repealed effective March 20, 2000 (27:5 Md. R. 583)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .16H adopted effective June 1, 1995 (22:10 Md. R. 705)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .18 D adopted effective May 27, 2024 (51:10 Md. R. 524)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .19 amended effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .22 adopted effective October 26, 1992 (19:21 Md. R. 1890)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .23 adopted effective April 12, 1993 (20:7 Md. R. 641)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .23A amended effective April 30, 1994 (21:7 Md. R. 529)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .24 adopted effective April 30, 1994 (21:7 Md. R. 529)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .25 adopted effective October 31, 1994 (21:20 Md. R. 1732)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .26 adopted effective August 20, 2012 (39:16 Md. R. 1080)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .27 adopted effective April 8, 2019 (46:7 Md. R. 370)

#### Regulation .01 Definitions.

*COMAR 09.08.01.01*

The definitions contained in Business Regulation Article, §8-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, are incorporated into these regulations, by reference, as Regulation .01.

#### Regulation .02 Definition of Canvasser, Solicitor.

*COMAR 09.08.01.02*

The definitions of canvasser, solicitor, or similar term will be considered the same as the definition for a salesman; those persons using these terms will be subject to licensing and the requirements of the Maryland Home Improvement Law.

#### Regulation .03 Licenses for Contractors and Salesmen.

*COMAR 09.08.01.03*

All contractors and salesmen required to be licensed shall have licenses on and after October 1, 1962.

#### Regulation .04 Corporate or Partnership Licensure.

*COMAR 09.08.01.04*

A. A corporation or partnership may not act as a home improvement contractor unless it obtains a corporate or partnership home improvement contractor's license.

B. To obtain and maintain a corporate or partnership home improvement license, the corporation or partnership shall employ one individual licensed contractor who shall be in responsible charge of the corporation's or partnership's home improvement work.

C. The corporation or partnership and the individual in responsible charge of the corporation's or partnership's home improvement work shall be jointly and severally responsible for:

  (1) Payment of any fees required by Business Regulation Article, §§8-302, 8-303, 8-308, and 8-404, Annotated Code of Maryland;

  (2) Filing of a bond or other evidence of financial responsibility required by Business Regulation Article, §8-303(c), Annotated Code of Maryland;

  (3) Repayment to the Home Improvement Commission Guaranty Fund pursuant to Business Regulation Article, §8-410, Annotated Code of Maryland, for any payments made to claimants from the Fund on account of violations by the corporation or partnership or the individual in responsible charge.

D. For purposes of applying the limitation in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, on Fund awards on account of the conduct of any one licensed contractor, the combined liability of a licensed corporation or partnership and the individual in responsible charge of the corporation's or partnership's work may not exceed the limitation in the aggregate.

E. The Commissions may, pursuant to Business Regulation Article, §8-311, Annotated Code of Maryland, sanction a corporation or partnership for conduct which is in violation of Business Regulation Article, Title 8, Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .05 Issue of Salesman's License under Legal Name.

*COMAR 09.08.01.05*

A salesman's license will be issued only in the legal name of the applicant for the license.

#### Regulation .06 License Numbers on Vehicles.

*COMAR 09.08.01.06*

A. Licensed contractors and subcontractors shall conspicuously display their home improvement license number preceded by the designation "MHIC #' on both sides of all vehicles primarily used either by the licensee or under the licensee's direction and control for the performance of home improvement work.

B. For purposes of this regulation, performance of home improvement work:

  (1) Shall include, but not be limited to, transporting materials to and from the jobsite;

  (2) May not include sales work.

C. Contractors or subcontractors are required to display only their own license numbers while they are performing work as a subcontractor.

D. Displays required by this regulation shall be at least 3 inches in height.

#### Regulation .07 Salesman's Representation of Contractors.

*COMAR 09.08.01.07*

A. A salesman may not represent any contractor unless the salesman complies with the provisions of this regulation.

B. A salesman seeking to represent any contractor shall make application on forms provided by the Commission.

C. A salesman may not represent more than two contractors at any one time.

D. Before the Commission may authorize a salesman to represent two contractors at the same time, the salesman shall provide to the Commission the following:

  (1) Written notice of appointment or employment signed by both the contractor duly licensed with the Commission and the salesman; and

  (2) A copy of notification by certified mail, and evidence of its receipt, to each contractor represented by the salesman stating the names and addresses of each contractor represented by the salesman.

E. A contractor shall promptly notify the Commission when his association with any salesman is terminated, and a salesman shall promptly return to the Commission any authorization issued by the Commission to represent the contractor.

#### Regulation .08 Duty of Prime Contractor on Home Improvement Contract.

*COMAR 09.08.01.08*

In the performance of any Home Improvement Contract it shall be the non-delegable duty and obligation of the prime contractor to secure, or see to the securing of, every permit, license, or special exception necessary to the proper completion of the contract according to applicable state or local building laws.

#### Regulation .09 Advertising.

*COMAR 09.08.01.09*

A. General Requirements.

  (1) A licensed home improvement contractor may not solicit home improvement business by way of advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, circular, or printed document, or by way of television or radio announcement, unless the name and license number of the contractor are stated in the advertisement.

  (2) A licensee may not directly or indirectly publish any advertisement relating to home improvements, including finance or credit terms, that contains an assertion, representation, or statement of fact that is false, deceptive, or misleading.

  (3) General statements, such as “Factory to You”, “Direct to You”, “Buy from the Manufacturer”, “Save the Middleman's Profit”, or phrases of similar meaning may not be used unless the advertiser is actually the maker or producer of the merchandise advertised or offered for sale.

B. Discount Coupons. An advertisement which offers a discount coupon may not contain a requirement that the coupon be presented before the contractor provides an estimate or proposal.

C. Guaranties or Warranties.

  (1) If reference is made to a guaranty or warranty, or the word “guarantied” or “warranted” is used, the terms, conditions, limitations, and period of time covered shall be clearly and conspicuously disclosed. The terms shall indicate whether items such as “labor and material only”, “repair”, “replacement”, or “full refund” are offered. Basic limitations shall be disclosed in the advertisement.

  (2) With respect to any guaranty offered by a licensee, compliance with the Maryland Consumer Products Guaranty Act, Commercial Law Article, §14-401—14-409, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall constitute prima facie evidence that a licensee has complied with §A(2) of this regulation. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission shall provide a copy of the Consumer Products Guaranty Act to any licensee within 5 days after receipt of a written request.

D. Special Disclosure Requirements.

  (1) Credit Terms and Charges.

    (a) Statements and claims regarding installment buying plans, finance, credit service, and carrying or service charges, including references to down payments, amounts, and frequency of payments, shall be accurate and clearly understandable, made in good faith, and in compliance with all other statutes or regulations regulating installment contracts.

    (b) If a repayment price is offered, it shall be stated in specific amounts. The number of payments shall be stated, and the combination of amounts and number of payments advertised shall be readily available.

  (2) Prices.

    (a) If a price is stated in an advertisement which does not include all costs of items necessary for the proper function and appearance of the installed product, this shall be clearly and conspicuously qualified in conjunction with the stated price by an explanatory statement.

    (b) When the price or specific credit terms are stated in an advertisement, the advertisement shall accurately describe what is being offered at that price or on those terms. Any limitations to, or conditions on, what will be supplied at the stated price or credit terms shall be clearly and conspicuously stated in immediate conjunction with the featured statement.

    (c) If the price advertised does not include all of the accessories which either appear in the advertisement, or which are necessary to affect proper installation and proper use of the item, the advertisement shall state that fact clearly and prominently in immediate conjunction with the advertised price. Extra charges may not be used as a device to disguise the actual selling price of merchandise.

  (3) Delivery Charges. If an extra charge is required to make delivery of an advertised home improvement item, it shall be clearly and conspicuously stated in the advertisement.

  (4) Installation Charge. If installation is extra, the advertising shall disclose the fact clearly and conspicuously in immediate conjunction with the advertisement. For example:

    (a) Installation Extra;

    (b) Plus Installation;

    (c) Installation at Extra Cost.

  (5) Offer Not Valid in Maryland. A statement that an offer in an advertisement is not valid in Maryland shall be conspicuously displayed in the advertisement.

#### Regulation .10 Model Home Offers and Referral Offers.

*COMAR 09.08.01.10*

A licensee may not promise to any owner that the owner's building will be used as a “model home,” “advertising job,” or for other similar purposes, when the licensee also will:

A. Pay a commission or other compensation to the owner for any sale made within any specified distance from the owner's building; or

B. Consequently reduce the cost for the owner of any home improvement work.

#### Regulation .11 Notice of Change of Licensing Information.

*COMAR 09.08.01.11*

Licensees shall notify the Commission, in writing, within 10 days, of any change of control in ownership or management, or a change of address or trade name of the licensee. This notice shall be sent to the Executive Director of the Commission by certified mail, return receipt requested.

#### Regulation .12 Duty of Prime Contractor to Pay Subcontractors and Workmen.

*COMAR 09.08.01.12*

In the performance of any home improvement contract, it shall be the nondelegable duty and obligation of the prime contractor to pay the subcontractors and workmen and materialmen so as to avoid the subjection of the property of the owner to mechanics' liens and materialmen's liens.

#### Regulation .13 Time Limitations for Filing Complaints.

*COMAR 09.08.01.13*

The Commission may summarily dismiss any complaint brought against a licensee after 3 years from the date of the home improvement contract for the work from which the complaint arises, unless the Commission finds that the complainant's delay in bringing the complaint was justified and that the delay does not result in an undue burden for the licensee.

#### Regulation .14 Application for Licensure as Home Improvement Contractor.

*COMAR 09.08.01.14*

An application for licensure as a home improvement contractor, whether it is in the name of an individual, partnership, proprietorship, or corporation, may not be accepted, if the name under which the licensee will be trading is the same as the name being used by an existing licensee, or is so similar to the name being used by an existing licensee that it will cause confusion on the part of the public at large. This regulation shall apply prospectively only to new applications received as of July 1, 1974.

#### Regulation .15 Contracts Subject to Approval of Licensee.

*COMAR 09.08.01.15*

A. Every home improvement contract which contains a stipulation or condition or which is represented to be that the contract is subject to the approval of the contractor before it becomes binding or any other language requiring prior approval before acceptance shall state that approval or disapproval of the contract shall be made within 10 working days from the date of the contract. The owner shall be duly informed, in writing, by the contractor of the decision approving or disapproving the contract within that time.

B. If the home improvement contract described in §A of this regulation is not approved, money or other collateral tendered as a deposit or down payment to a contractor, salesman, or any other person shall be returned to the owner within 3 working days of the date of disapproval, and not later than 13 working days from the date of the contract.

#### Regulation .16 Examination.

*COMAR 09.08.01.16*

A. The examination shall be held as often as necessary at a test site determined by the Commission. This examination may be offered at various political subdivisions throughout the State. The examination shall include the law relating to the practice of home improvement contracting and the applicant's competence to perform home improvement work. The examination for competence may be oral or written.

B. Each applicant shall file with the Commission a written application on forms which will be furnished on request. The application must be filed not later than 1 week before the date on which the examination is held, and must be accompanied by the required fee, and a full face photograph, taken within the year preceding the initial application.

C. The passing mark shall be 70 in the subject matter. If the applicant has failed to pass the examination, he will not be eligible to reapply until 21 days have elapsed. A request for a second reconsideration received after the second failure will not be accepted until 60 days have elapsed.

D. If an applicant fails to sit for the examination as scheduled, the applicant shall, in order to be rescheduled for the examination, file a written application, on forms provided by the Commission, accompanied by the fee as determined in Business Regulation Article, §8-302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland. The Commission may, for good cause and upon written request of the applicant, waive the requirement for a subsequent fee.

E. The time limitation within which an applicant is required to pass is as stated in §C of this regulation. If an applicant has been denied registration of a license, because of failure to pass the examination, the applicant may submit to the Commission a request for reconsideration.

F. As soon as practicable after grading of the examination papers has been completed, every applicant will be notified in writing what his grades are. Within a period of 30 days after the notice, the applicant may request the Executive Director of the Commission for permission to review his examination papers.

G. The fee for the written examination shall be authorized as determined in Business Regulation Article, §8-302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.

H. An applicant for a new license shall pass the examination within the 2-year period immediately preceding receipt of the license application by the Commission.

#### Regulation .17 Repealed.

*COMAR 09.08.01.17*

#### Regulation .18 License Renewals.

*COMAR 09.08.01.18*

A. Applications Within 2 Years of License Expiration.

  (1) An application for a license previously issued which is received within 2 years from the date of the previously issued license's expiration shall be presumed to be an application for a renewal of that license.

  (2) Upon a showing of good cause by the applicant, an application described in §A(1) of this regulation may be considered an application for a new license.

B. Applications After 2 Years of License Expiration.

  (1) An application for a license previously issued which is received more than 2 years from the date of the previously issued license's expiration shall be presumed to be an application for a new license.

  (2) Upon a showing of good cause by the applicant, an application described in §B(1), above, may be considered an application for a renewal of the previously issued license.

C. Effective Date of Renewals. A license renewed pursuant to this regulation may not be retroactive to the date that the previously issued license expired, but shall take effect on the date that the applicant fulfills the Commission's requirements for a renewal. The license shall expire 2 years from the date on which the previously issued license expired.

D. Guaranty Fund Assessment. Before the Commission renews a contractor license, the contractor shall pay a fee of $175 to be credited to the Fund.

#### Regulation .19 Financial Solvency.

*COMAR 09.08.01.19*

A. An applicant for an original contractor's license shall submit to the Commission with the application a credit report from an approved credit reporting agency and a statement of all outstanding judgments and pending civil actions against the applicant.

B. The Commission shall consider this credit report and statement in determining whether the applicant has demonstrated financial solvency as required by Business Regulation Article, § 8-311(a)(9), Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. An applicant that does not demonstrate a net worth equal to the maximum Fund award available to one claimant for acts of omissions of one contractor under Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland, must obtain a 2-year surety bond for that amount.

D. A licensee that obtains a surety bond to satisfy the financial solvency requirement must maintain a surety bond for an amount equal to the maximum Fund award available to one claimant for acts of omissions of one contractor at all times unless the licensee demonstrates a sufficient net worth and the Commission authorizes the licensee to cancel the bond.

E. At any time, the Commission may require a licensee to demonstrate financial solvency and may revoke a license if the licensee fails to do so.

F. The fact that an applicant or licensee holds a surety bond does not preclude the Commission from denying an application or revoking or suspending a license under Business Regulation Article, §8-311(a)(9, Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .20 Interest on Guaranty Fund Repayments.

*COMAR 09.08.01.20*

A contractor required to repay the Guaranty Fund pursuant to Business Regulation Article, §8-410(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, shall repay the amount paid from the Fund on the contractor's account plus interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum simple interest.

#### Regulation .21 Television Antenna Installation.

*COMAR 09.08.01.21*

A. As used in this regulation, “television antenna” means a device used to receive television signals from terrestrial over-the-air-broadcasts or satellites for use in a building used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling place of one, two, or three single family units.

B. The installation of a television antenna may not be subject to the Maryland Home Improvement Law if all of the following criteria are met:

  (1) The party requesting the installation does not intend for the television antenna to be fabricated into and become a permanent fixed part of the building or adjacent land;

  (2) The installation does not require any substantial modification or alteration of the building to mount the television antenna or to install the wiring from the television antenna;

  (3) The attachment of the television antenna is accomplished by means of screws or other similar devices that may be removed and after removal the building does not require any repair other than repairing the screw holes and normal finishing work;

  (4) The television antenna and its attaching mount may be removed without damage to the building, the land, or the television antenna and its attaching mount; and

  (5) The installation does not require the permanent affixation of a pole or similar device to the building or adjacent land.

C. An installation of a television antenna not meeting the criteria of §B of this regulation shall be subject to the Maryland Home Improvement Law unless otherwise determined by the Commission on a case-by-case basis.

D. A party under §C of this regulation shall have the burden of persuasion that the television antenna installation is not subject to the Maryland Home Improvement Law.

#### Regulation .22 Outstanding Obligations.

*COMAR 09.08.01.22*

Under Business Regulation Article, §8-306(d)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland, an applicant's outstanding obligation is considered a financial obligation arising out of the applicant's conviction for violation of Business Regulation Article, §8-601, Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .23 Experience or Education Requirement.

*COMAR 09.08.01.23*

A. Trade Experience.

  (1) An applicant for a home improvement contractor's license shall have at least 2 years of trade experience.

  (2) “Trade experience” includes one or more of the following:

    (a) Participation in a registered apprenticeship program;

    (b) Employment in performing home improvements;

    (c) Employment in performing commercial or residential construction, repairs,  or renovations;

    (d) Participation in a community service or charitable building or renovation program; or

    (e) Performing repairs and improvements which require a building permit on one's home or the home of family members.

  (3) Experience as a licensed home improvement salesperson for at least 2 years may be credited as trade experience, if the Home Improvement Commission determines that the applicant has gained substantial knowledge of the operation of a home improvement business.

B. Business Experience in Other Areas. Experience in the capacity of supervisor, manager, or owner of a business may be substituted for 1 year of the required trade experience, based on a review by the Home Improvement Commission, or an applicant for a home improvement contractor's license may substitute for the required trade experience educational training in:

  (1) Vocational school training in a building trade; or

  (2) Participation in a building trade work-study program.

C. Experience or educational qualifications of applicants for a home improvement contractor's license who have documented handicaps shall be considered by the Commission on an individual basis.

#### Regulation .24 Street Address Required.

*COMAR 09.08.01.24*

A. This regulation applies to all applications, both original and renewal, received after April 30, 1994.

B. An applicant for a contractor license shall provide to the Commission the actual street address of the contractor's principal business office. An applicant may not provide a post office box or private mail drop as the applicant's business address of record.

#### Regulation .25 Arbitration Clause.

*COMAR 09.08.01.25*

A. A mandatory arbitration clause in a home improvement contract shall include the following information:

  (1) The name of the person or organization that will conduct the arbitration;

  (2) Whether any mandatory fees will be charged to the parties for participation in the arbitration and include the fee schedule;

  (3) Whether the arbitrator's findings are binding; and

  (4) A disclosure that, under Business Regulation Article, §8-405(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, a claim against the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund by an owner shall be stayed until completion of any mandatory arbitration proceeding.

B. The parties shall affix their initials and date immediately adjacent to any mandatory arbitration clause in a home improvement contract, at the time of execution of the contract.

C. This regulation shall apply to all home improvement contracts executed after October 31, 1994.

#### Regulation .26 Required Notice in Contracts.

*COMAR 09.08.01.26*

A. A home improvement contract shall contain a notice stating that:

  (1) Formal mediation of disputes between homeowners and contractors is available through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission;

  (2) The Maryland Home Improvement Commission administers the Guaranty Fund, which may compensate homeowners for certain actual losses caused by acts or omissions of licensed contractors; and

  (3) A homeowner may request that a contractor purchase a performance bond for additional protection against losses not covered by the Guaranty Fund.

B. The notice required by this regulation shall be included within the contract or, until July 1, 2013, may be included in an addendum attached to the contract, provided that the addendum is signed by the homeowner and contractor.

#### Regulation .27 Failure to Respond.

*COMAR 09.08.01.27*

A. If an applicant or licensee receives from the Commission a written communication requesting a response, the applicant or licensee shall respond within 30 days of the date of the mailing.

B. The Commission shall send a written communication by first-class mail to the last business address furnished to the Commission by the applicant or licensee.

C. It is a responsibility of an applicant or licensee to notify the Commission in writing if there has been a change in the applicant’s or licensee’s address.

D. Failure to respond as required by this regulation may be considered by the Commission to be a violation of Business Regulation Article, §§8-311(a)(11)—(13) and 8-616, Annotated Code of Maryland.

### Chapter 02 — Procedural Regulations

**Authority:** Business Regulation Article, §8-207, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: July 7, 1976 (3:14 Md. R. 746)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06 amended effective August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1703

**Administrative History:** Regulations .14 and .15 adopted effective August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1703)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.15 repealed and new Regulation .01 adopted effective August 18, 2003 (30:16 Md. R. 1075)

#### Regulation .01 Contested Case Hearings.

*COMAR 09.08.02.01*

A. All contested case hearings before the Commission shall be governed by COMAR 09.01.02.

B. All contested case hearings delegated to the Office of Administrative Hearings shall be governed by COMAR 09.01.03.

### Chapter 03 — Claims Against the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund

**Authority:** Business Regulation Article, §§8-207 and 8-405, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.05, Bonding, adopted as an emergency provision effective June 1, 1979 (6:14 Md. R. 1200); adopted permanently effective November 16, 1979 (6:23 Md. R. 1839)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective July 5, 1982 (9:13 Md. R. 1350); repealed effective August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1704)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.03 adopted effective August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1704)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.03, Financial Responsibility, repealed effective September 5, 1988 (15:18 Md. R. 2145)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.03, Claims Against the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund, adopted effective September 5, 1988 (15:18 Md. R. 2145)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A, E amended effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation 02H adopted effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A amended effective July 7, 1993 (20:13 Md. R. 1046)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B, D amended effective January 19, 2015 (42:1 Md. R. 17); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03D amended effective April 3, 2000 (27:6 Md. R. 641); September 7, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1555)

#### Regulation .01 Scope.

*COMAR 09.08.03.01*

This chapter shall apply to all claims arising from transactions or events occurring on or after July 1, 1988.

#### Regulation .02 Processing of Claims.

*COMAR 09.08.03.02*

A. Filing of Claims. A claimant who seeks compensation from the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (“Fund”) shall file a claim with the Commission on a claim form prepared by the Commission. This claim form shall contain at a minimum:

  (1) The amount claimed based on actual loss;

  (2) The facts and circumstances giving rise to the claim;

  (3) The address of the home where the claimant resides;

  (4) The address of each residential property, whether located within or outside of Maryland, owned by the claimant at any time from the date of the contract giving rise to the claim through the date of filing the claim, and the number of dwelling units at each property; and

  (5) An affirmation by the claimant that all statements in the claim are true.

B. Contractor's Response.

  (1) The Commission shall, upon receipt of a claim, forward a copy of the claim to the contractor alleged to be responsible for the claimant's loss.

  (2) A contractor to whom the Commission has forwarded a copy of a claim shall submit a written response to the allegations in the claim within 10 days of receipt of the claim.

C. Amending of Claims. Once a verified claim has been filed with the Commission, the claimant may not amend the claim unless the claimant can establish to the satisfaction of the Commission that either the:

  (1) Claimant did not know and could not have reasonably ascertained the facts on which the proposed amendment is based at the time the claim was filed; or

  (2) Claimant's proposed amendment would not prejudice the contractor whose conduct gave rise to the claim.

D. Review by Hearing Board.

  (1) The claim, along with any written response received from a contractor, shall be referred to a hearing board of the Commission for investigation and review.

  (2) Setting Claim Hearings.

    (a) Unless the hearing board determines that the claim is made in bad faith, is frivolous, or is legally insufficient, the hearing board shall set the claim for a hearing before either a hearing officer, a hearing board comprised of commissioners other than the commissioners on the hearing board which reviewed the claim, or the full Commission.

    (b) The hearing board may set the claim for a hearing:

      (i) Solely on the claim;

      (ii) On both the claim and any regulatory charges arising from the same events or transactions on which the claim was based; or

      (iii) On the claim and any other outstanding claims and regulatory charges against the contractor alleged to be responsible for the claimant's loss.

  (3) Dismissal of Claims by Hearing Board.

    (a) Claimant's Response.

      (i) If, upon initial review, the hearing board finds that the claim is frivolous, made in bad faith, or legally insufficient, the hearing board shall forward its finding, including the basis for its finding, to the claimant.

      (ii) The claimant shall have 30 days from the date of the hearing board's letter forwarding its finding to respond in writing to the hearing board.

    (b) Final Decision to Dismiss.

      (i) If the hearing board, after a review of any written response from the claimant, determines that the claim is frivolous, made in bad faith, or legally insufficient, the hearing board shall issue an Order dismissing the claim.

      (ii) Unless the Commission or any of its members determines within 15 days of the issuance by a hearing board of its Order that a full hearing by the Commission is required, the Order of the hearing board shall be a Final Order which may be appealed by the claimant directly to the circuit court where any party resides or has a principal place of business.

    (c) The hearing board may dismiss a claim as legally insufficient if the claimant has unreasonably rejected good faith efforts by the contractor to resolve the claim.

    (d) The hearing board may dismiss a claim as legally insufficient if the contractor was unlicensed when the contract was entered into but licensed during the performance of the contract unless:

      (i) The claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant did not know that the contractor was unlicensed at the time the contract was entered into; and

      (ii) A substantial portion of the contractor's alleged misconduct occurred after the contractor became licensed.

E. Compulsory Binding Arbitration. When a contract between a claimant and a contractor requires that all contract disputes be submitted to binding arbitration, the claimant shall either:

  (1) Submit their dispute to binding arbitration as required by the contract; or

  (2) Provide evidence to the Commission that the claimant has made good faith efforts to bring the dispute to binding arbitration which the contractor has either rejected or not responded to. The Commission shall then give the contractor written notice that, if the contractor does not demonstrate to the Commission within 10 days of the date of the letter that it has engaged in the arbitration process and has paid its share of any fees necessary to commence the arbitration process, the Commission will deem the contractor to have waived the right to enforce the compulsory arbitration clause and process the claimant's claim pursuant to this chapter.

F. Final Decisions by Court or Arbitrator. If a claimant provides the Commission with a final unappealable and non-default decision by a court or arbitrator awarding the claimant money damages against a licensed contractor when the conditions precedent to recovery set forth in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(a) and (c), Annotated Code of Maryland, are met, the Commission shall:

  (1) Send a copy of the decision to the contractor and give the contractor 21 days to comment on the decision; and

  (2) Issue a Final Order to compensate the claimant from the Fund for any actual losses awarded to the claimant by the decision and not paid by the contractor, subject to the limitations set out in Regulation .03B(1) and D(2) of this chapter.

G. Time Limitation. A claim may not be brought against the Fund after 3 years from the date that the claimant discovered, or by exercise of ordinary diligence should have discovered, the loss or damage.

H. An owner is ineligible to make a claim against the Fund under Business Regulation Article, §8-405(f)(2)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland, if they do not reside in the home as to which the claim is made and they simultaneously owned more than three residences or dwelling places, whether located within or outside of Maryland, at any time from the date of the contract underlying their claim through the date the claim was filed.

#### Regulation .03 Adjudication of Claims.

*COMAR 09.08.03.03*

A. Claim Hearings.

  (1) Parties.

    (a) The claimant who brought the claim, and the contractor alleged to be responsible for the monetary loss of the claimant, shall be parties in all claim hearings.

    (b) Assistant Attorneys General. Assistant attorneys general assigned to either represent the Fund on a claim, or present regulatory charges, shall participate as a party in the hearing and receive all appropriate notices.

    (c) The same assistant attorney general assigned to present the regulatory case may be assigned to represent the Fund.

  (2) Notice.

    (a) The Commission shall notify all parties to a claim hearing of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

    (b) This notice shall contain a statement of any regulatory charges brought against the contractor which will be heard at the claim hearing.

    (c) The notice shall be mailed so as to give at least 10 days notice of the claim hearing.

  (3) The burden of proof shall be on the claimant to establish the validity of the claim.

  (4) Conduct of the Hearing.

    (a) If a hearing does not involve regulatory charges, the order of presentation shall be as follows:

      (i) The claimant shall present the case for the claim;

      (ii) The contractor may submit any evidence against the claim;

      (iii) An assistant attorney general representing the Fund may submit evidence concerning the claim; and

      (iv) Any party in the hearing may cross-examine any witnesses and submit rebuttal evidence and closing arguments.

    (b) If a hearing involves regulatory charges and a claim arising from the same event or transaction, the order of presentation shall be as follows:

      (i) The assistant attorney general representing the State shall present the case for the regulatory charges against the contractor;

      (ii) The claimant shall present the case for the claim;

      (iii) The contractor may submit evidence against the charges and the claim;

      (iv) An assistant attorney general representing the Fund may submit evidence concerning the claim; and

      (v) Any party in the hearing may cross-examine any witnesses and submit rebuttal evidence and closing arguments.

    (c) When a hearing involves regulatory charges and a claim arising from the same event or transaction, all evidence submitted at the hearing concerning that event or transaction shall be considered in determining the validity of the charges and the claim.

B. Measure of Awards from Guaranty Fund.

  (1) The Commission may not award from the Fund any amount for:

    (a) Consequential or punitive damages;

    (b) Personal injury;

    (c) Attorney's fees;

    (d) Court costs;

    (e) Interest;

    (f) Payments made to a person who does not hold a contractor license to correct or complete a deficient home improvement unless the work performed by the unlicensed person did not require a contractor license or was performed by a person who was not required to hold a contractor license under Business Regulation Article, §8-301(c)(4)-(6), Annotated Code of Maryland; or

    (g) Estimated costs to correct or complete a deficient home improvement based on the estimates of a person who does not hold a contractor license unless the estimated work did not require a contractor license or the unlicensed person was not required to hold a contractor license under Business Regulation Article, §8-301(c)(4)-(6), Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (2) The Fund may only compensate claimants for actual losses they incurred as a result of misconduct by a licensed contractor.

  (3) Unless it determines that a particular claim requires a unique measurement, the Commission shall measure actual loss as follows:

    (a) If the contractor abandoned the contract without doing any work, the claimant's actual loss shall be the amount which the claimant paid to the contractor under the contract.

    (b) If the contractor did work according to the contract and the claimant is not soliciting another contractor to complete the contract, the claimant's actual loss shall be the amount which the claimant paid to the original contractor less the value of any materials and services provided by the contractor.

    (c) If the contractor did work according to the contract and the claimant has solicited or is soliciting another contractor to complete the contract or correct the contractor’s poor work, the claimant's actual loss shall be the amounts the claimant has paid to or on behalf of the contractor under the original contract, added to any reasonable amounts the claimant has paid or will be required to pay another contractor to repair poor work done by the original contractor under the original contract and complete the original contract, less the original contract price. If the Commission determines that the original contract price is too unrealistically low or high to provide a proper basis for measuring actual loss, the Commission may adjust its measurement accordingly.

  (4) The Commission may not award from the Fund an amount in excess of the amount paid by or on behalf of the claimant to or on behalf of the contractor against whom the claim is filed.

C. Determinations.

  (1) Hearing Officers.

    (a) If the claim hearing is held before a hearing officer, the provisions of COMAR 09.01.03 shall be applicable.

    (b) A hearing board comprised of commissioners other than commissioners who initially reviewed the claim shall adopt, reject, or modify the hearing officer's recommendations pursuant to COMAR 09.01.03.

  (2) Unless the Commission or any of its members determines within 15 days of its issuance that a full hearing by the Commission is required, a hearing board's decision on a claim shall be a Final Order of the Commission which may be appealable by any aggrieved party to the circuit court where any party resides or has a principal place of business.

  (3) If the claim hearing is held before the full Commission, the Commission shall issue a decision on the claim which shall be a Final Order which may be appealed by an aggrieved party to the circuit court where any party resides or has a principal place of business.

D. Payments.

  (1) Upon the issuance of a Final Order that a claim is valid, with all appeals to court exhausted, the Commission shall pay the claim from the Fund subject to the limitations in §§B(1) and D(2) of this regulation.

  (2) The Commission may not award from the Fund:

    (a) To any one claimant more than the amount authorized in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland, for acts or omissions of one contractor; or

    (b) More than the amount authorized in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland) to claimants on account of the conduct of any one licensee, unless, after the Commission has paid out that amount on account of the conduct of one licensed contractor, that contractor has repaid the full amount.

  (3) If the aggregate amount of the approved claims to be paid from the Fund involving one contractor exceeds the maximum payout amount authorized in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission may either:

    (a) Pay the approved claims in the order filed until the maximum payout is reached; or

    (b) Prorate the approved claims by awarding each claimant the same percent of their approved claim which the maximum payout amount is of the total amount of the approved claims.

  (4) For purposes of this regulation, the term “approved claim” means the amount which the Commission has approved to be paid from the Fund which cannot exceed the amount authorized in Business Regulation Article, §8-405(e)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.

### Chapter 04 — Claims Arising Before June 1, 1985

*Repealed*

**Administrative History:** Effective date: August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1703)

**Administrative History:** Chapter repealed effective April 1, 1996 (23:5 Md. R. 378)

### Chapter 05 — Claims Arising After June 1, 1985

*Repealed*

**Administrative History:** Effective date: August 26, 1985 (12:17 Md. R. 1703)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective September 5, 1988 (15:18 Md. R. 2145)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04C, H amended effective June 29, 1987 (14:13 Md. R. 1472)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04D amended effective June 7, 1993 (20:11 Md. R. 912)

**Administrative History:** Chapter repealed effective April 1, 1996 (23:5 Md. R. 378)

### Chapter 06 — Civil Citations

**Authority:** Business Regulation Article, §§8-207(a) and 8-620(c)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: May 14, 2012 (39:9 Md. R. 611)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02I, T, Z amended effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02DD adopted effective June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

#### Regulation .01 Scope.

*COMAR 09.08.06.01*

Unless otherwise indicated, the fines under Regulation .02 of this chapter apply for civil citations issued by the Commission under Business Regulation Article, §8-620(c)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .02 Violation.

*COMAR 09.08.06.02*

A. Failure to include the name or license number in an advertisement:

  (1) First violation — $100; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $300.

B. Publishing a false, misleading, or deceptive advertisement:

  (1) First violation — $300; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,000.

C. Failure to display the license number on vehicle:

  (1) First violation — $100; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $300.

D. Perform or sell a home improvement with or through an unlicensed person:

  (1) First violation — $1,500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $5,000.

E. Failure of a salesperson to account for, or remit, a payment received:

  (1) First violation — $1,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $3,000.

F. Failure of a contractor to notify Commission of the hiring or termination of a salesperson:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,000.

G. Failure of a contractor to notify the Commission within 10 days of a change of ownership, management, address, or trade name:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,000.

H. Violation of a building law of the State or a political subdivision, a safety or labor law of the State, the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act, or the lead paint accreditation requirement under Environment Article, §6-1002, Annotated Code of Maryland:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

I. Acting as a contractor or selling a home improvement under a name other than that under which the person is licensed:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

J. Failure to have a written and legible contract:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

K. Failure to have on a contract, the name, address, telephone number, and license number of the contractor:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

L. Failure to have on a contract a clear description of each document that it incorporates:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

M. Failure to have a contract signed by each party:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

N. Failure to have on a contract the approximate start and completion dates:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

O. Failure to have on a contract notice about the Commission and telephone number of the Commission:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

P. Failure to have on a contract a written notice as required whenever payment is secured by an interest in real estate:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

Q. Failure to have the notice required under Business Regulation Article, §8-501(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, initialed by owner:

  (1) First violation — $1,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $2,000.

R. Failure to provide a copy of a contract to an owner:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,000.

S. Failure to have on a contract including a mandatory arbitration clause the notice required under COMAR 09.08.01.25A:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,000.

T. Failure to obtain owner’s initials on a mandatory arbitration clause in a contract:

  (1) First violation — $1,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $2,000.

U. Demand or receive any payment before contract is signed:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

V. Receipt of more than 1/3 deposit at the time of contract signing:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

W. Failure to comply with an order or requirement of Commission:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

X. Offering to act as a contractor without a license from the Commission:

  (1) First violation — $1,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $3,000.

Y. Acting as a contractor without a license from the Commission:

  (1) First violation — $1,500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $5,000.

Z. . Reserved.

AA. Offering to sell a home improvement without a license from the Commission:

  (1) First violation — $500; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $1,500.

BB. Selling a home improvement without a license from the Commission:

  (1) First violation — $1,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $3,000.

CC. Accepting a completion certificate with knowledge that the document is false:

  (1) First violation — $2,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation — $5,000.

DD. Failure to maintain a surety bond that a licensee is required to hold to satisfy financial solvency requirements under Business Regulation Article, §8-305, Annotated Code of Maryland:

  (1) First violation—$2,000; and

  (2) Second or subsequent violation—$5,000.

### Chapter 07 — Fees

**Authority:** Business Regulation Article, §§2-106.11, 2-106.12, 8-207, 8-209, 8-210, 8-213, 8-302, 8-303, 8-308, and 8-308.1, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: February 11, 2019 (46:3 Md. R. 106)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A amended effective May 27, 2024 (51:10 Md. R. 524)

#### Regulation .01 Purpose.

*COMAR 09.08.07.01*

This chapter is intended to carry out the provisions of Business Regulation Article, §2-106.11, 2-106.12, 8-207, 8-209, 8-210, 8-213, 8-302, 8-303, 8-308, and 8-308.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. In particular, it is intended to set various fees in order to cover the actual documented direct and indirect costs of fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the Home Improvement Commission.

#### Regulation .02 Schedule of Fees.

*COMAR 09.08.07.02*

A. Pursuant to Business Regulation Article, §8-213, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission shall set fees to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Commission. Fees charged by the Commission are as follows:

  (1) License application fees:

    (a) Contractor — $281.25 for each place of business of the contractor;

    (b) Salesperson — $112.50; and

    (c) Application processing fee — $22.50;

  (2) License renewal fees:

    (a) Contractor — $281.25 for each place of business of the contractor; and

    (b) Salesperson — $112.50;

  (3) Inactive status fees:

    (a) Inactive status application fee — $56.25;

    (b) Renewal fees while license is in inactive status:

      (i) Contractor — $126.75; and

      (ii) Salesperson — $42.25; and

    (c) Reactivation of inactive license reissuance fee — $11.25;

  (4) Certification of license status fee —$1.25; and

  (5) Document copy fee — $1.25 per page.

B. Examination Fee. An applicant for an examination or reexamination shall pay an examination or reexamination fee directly to the testing service chosen by the Commission to develop or administer the examination, as such fees are established by the testing service selected by the Commission.