How can I get my downpayment back from a fired contractor?
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How can I get my downpayment back from a fired contractor?
I gave a $600 downpayment to a contractor that I had to fired for poor craftmenship and improper materials used ( his girlfriend layed the tile). Downpayment well exceeds work performed. I am requesting $400 back. My phone calls are not answered or returned. I still have contractors tools.
Asked on September 28, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you signed a written contract with a licensed contractor, read the agreement carefully in that it sets forth the obligations owed to you by the contractor and vice versa in the absence of conflicting state law.
If the written agreement does not state the means to resolve any dispute with the contractor over the work of improvement that he was hired to do, but was terminated for due to poor workmanship, you should consider the following:
1. contact the contractor's state licensing board in your state about this particular contractor and his failure to respond to your inquiries. This entity is in charge of regulating licensed contractors in your state and protecting consumers such as you.
2. write a demand letter to him about your refund and the need to pick up his tools keeping a copy of it for future reference. If your money is not returned in the demanded time period, a small claims court action is warranted.
Good luck.
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