Can I contractor demand full payment for work without receipts or completion of a job?
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Can I contractor demand full payment for work without receipts or completion of a job?
I entered a contract with a unlicensed contractor who has never completed the job to date. I have no receipts or invoices or the work that has been completed, nor the work proposed to be completed. I reversed charges and am pending completion of work to be done with another contractor.
Asked on June 4, 2017 under Real Estate Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
A contractor is not entitled for full payment without completing the full job. He is entitled to payment equivalent or proportionate to that part of the job which he did complete, since you are not allowed to get the benefit of his work without paying for it (e.g. under the theory of "unjust enrichment," which bars a party from being "unjustly"--or unfairly--"enriched"--or benefitted--by getting work, services, etc. without paying). There is no legal requirement for the provision of receipts or invoices, unless the agreement or contract called for same; the issue again is, what portion of the work was completed?
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