By Scott Westerlund, Go4Rent Guest Writer
Property owners know that a common way to keep a tenant happy is to make sure repairs are completed in a timely manner. That means landlords should have access to qualified contractors when need be. Knowing what type of repair requires licensing, as well as how to check for proper licensing, are key elements of this process.
Residents should also be aware of landlord-tenant laws regarding home repairs to feel confident that they are living in a safe environment, including avoiding sketchy contractors.
Can Tenants Ask for a Business License or Identification Before Entry?
In Florida and Texas, landlords are permitted to enter without restriction for the following reasons.
Responding to an emergency/making emergency repairs
Inspecting for safety/building code issues
Upon arrival, a tenant can ask to see identification or proof of licensing. However, the answer regarding the effectiveness versus the futility of asking often depends on what's in the lease.
A contractor or repair person isn't obligated to comply with a tenant's request for credentials, specifically if the landlord, not the tenant, hired this person or company. While asking doesn't place the tenant in breach of contract, refusing entry until the contractor shows ID might.
What If the Contractor Appears to Be Unlicensed?
Landlords aren't necessarily required to hire licensed contractors to perform repairs or updates in rentals. For example, according to online insurance provider Next insurance, someone working in Florida as a handyman doesn't need a license to perform minor repairs and non-structural work valued under $500. While Texas doesn't have licensing requirements for general handywork, electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors are required to hold a license.
Tenants in Florida and Texas can check local laws and codes to confirm whether repair work requires licensing by contacting the local government agency that oversees building and construction codes in the area where the property is located.
Floridian and Texan tenants can check the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) about mandatory licensure. The agency should be able to provide information on which types of repairs require licensing and which do not.
If the repair work requires licensing, the tenant can confirm with the landlord about whether the contractor or service provider provided proof of their license before starting any work. Tenants can also verify a contractor's license in Texas at the TDLR's website, or verify a contractor’s license in Florida at the DBPR’s website by searching the contractor's name or license number.
Keep in mind that landlord-tenant laws in Texas and Florida require landlords to provide a dwelling that is "fit to live in" for tenants. A tenant can view a property with unlicensed work as being unfit to live in if it has safety and fire hazards. If a landlord ignores concerns over potentially unlicensed or unethical contractors, and safety violations, the next step is escalation to the local housing authority.
Do you want more information about Go4Rent’s services? Are you a Texas or Florida resident looking for a new home? Visit Go4Rent.com today!