Reviewed September 7, 2026.
A license held by an owner, salesperson or related company does not necessarily license the business that signs and performs a home improvement contract.
In Bindela Construction LLC v. Campo, 2013 NY Slip Op 31823(U), the contractor failed to allege and demonstrate that it held the required New York City home improvement contractor license during the work. A Department of Buildings general contractor credential, the principal’s salesperson license and another entity’s license did not cure that problem. The court dismissed the complaint and discharged the lien.
What to check today
Confirm the contracting entity’s exact legal name, the work classification, the licensing jurisdiction and the dates of licensed performance. Check both the applicable contractor requirements and any separate trade licenses. A permit or a license issued elsewhere is not a substitute automatically.
New York City abolished the separate home improvement salesperson license requirement in 2020. It retained the home improvement contractor license requirement. The historical salesperson reference in Bindela should therefore not be presented as a current application requirement.
Review CPLR 3015(e) when preparing a covered consumer complaint. Licensing defects can affect the underlying right to recover payment as well as lien enforcement; recording a notice does not establish that the claim is enforceable.
Kushnick Pallaci PLLC assists clients throughout New York with contractor licensing and consumer affairs matters. Contact 631-752-7100 or vtp@kushnicklaw.com.
Attorney Advertising. General information, not legal advice.
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