The "Home Repair Consumer Protection Act" aims to enhance protections for homeowners engaging in home repair services in South Carolina. The bill mandates that any contract for home repair services exceeding one thousand dollars must be in writing and signed by both the contractor and the homeowner. It outlines specific requirements for the contract, including the contractor's details, a description of the work, total costs, and the homeowner's right to cancel the contract within three to five business days, depending on their age. Additionally, the bill establishes the offense of home repair fraud, detailing various deceptive practices that would constitute this crime, along with corresponding penalties.
The legislation also introduces heightened protections for elderly homeowners and outlines prohibited acts by contractors that would be considered unfair trade practices. These include failing to refund payments for unperformed work, abandoning projects, and misrepresenting services. Violations of these provisions can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount involved. The act is designed to create a more transparent and secure environment for homeowners, particularly vulnerable populations, when entering into home repair agreements.