Does a home improvement contractor need a license or registration in Massachusetts?
Yes, a registration. In Massachusetts, a contractor or subcontractor may not undertake, offer or agree to perform residential contracting services unless registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Every agreement for residential contracting over $1,000 must be in writing, with the contractor’s registration number and the owner’s three-day cancellation rights, and work may not begin before it is signed. This is M.G.L. c. 142A, §§ 2, 9.
| What | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Home improvement contractors | Registration; written contract over $1,000 |
Source
Read the statute in the General Laws of Massachusetts (Massachusetts Legislature): malegislature.gov.
Checked against the statute on November 12, 2026.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
How Seayora uses this rule
A contractor on Seayora keeps each license with its issuing state, its expiry date and the last four digits of its number, and the business is warned before one lapses — on the website and both phone apps. A customer finding a pro on Seayora sees whether a license is on file.
Compare this rule in every state
More Massachusetts rules
- Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in Massachusetts?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in Massachusetts?
- How much notice must a landlord give to end a tenancy in Massachusetts?
- Is there a grace period for paying rent in Massachusetts?
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Massachusetts?
- Can a landlord change the locks to force a tenant out in Massachusetts?
- How long does a tenant have to respond to an eviction case in Massachusetts?
- What are squatters’ rights in Massachusetts?
- What are the steps to evict a tenant for unpaid rent in Massachusetts?
- Can a landlord refuse a Section 8 voucher in Massachusetts?
- Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Massachusetts?
- Can a tenant repair and deduct from rent in Massachusetts?
- Do you need a license to do electrical work in Massachusetts?
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Massachusetts?
- Do contractors charge sales tax in Massachusetts?
- Every Massachusetts rule on one page