You don’t need a handyman license in Rhode Island to do repairs and maintenance under $500, but if you want to take on larger projects, you must register with the state Contractors Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB).
Does a Handyman Need a License in Rhode Island?
No, you don’t need a license to become a handyman in Rhode Island as long as the cost of labor and materials remains under $500. However, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing projects require a specialty license, even if the work is under $500.
You should register as a contractor with the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) to take on projects larger than $500.
What Can a Handyman Legally Do in Rhode Island?
As a handyman in Rhode Island, you can legally take on small jobs without a license, provided the cost of the project does not exceed $500. These may incude:
- Assembling furniture
- Mounting a TV on the wall
- Fixing doors and windows
- Patching holes or cracks in walls
- Hanging pictures
- Painting rooms
- Repairing tiles
- Setting up smart home devices
- Pressure washing driveways
- Cleaning gutters
Again, you can’t tackle projects over $500 or anything that involves electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work like:
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
- Building a deck
- Wiring or rewiring rooms
- Replacing electrical panels
- Installing plumbing systems
- Installing HVAC systems
- Modifying structural elements like load-bearing walls
Penalties for Exceeding Handyman Work Limits
If you take on projects worth more than $500 without a proper license, the state can impose a fine of up to $1,000, one year of jail time, or both for a first or second offense. A third or subsequent violation is classified as a felony and could result in a fine of up to $2,000, two years of jail time, or both.
You can advertise your services in Rhode Island, but make sure to specify that you aren’t a licensed contractor.
How to Get a Contractor’s License
If you want to do work in excess of $500, you need a contractor’s license. You can follow the instructions on the official guide or these steps:
- Complete a five-hour pre-registration course approved by the CRLB.
- Obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000. If you have employees, you should also provide a Certificate of Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
- Register your business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and obtain a business ID.
- Pay a registration fee of $150.
Registering Your Business
Decide whether you want to register your business as a sole proprietorship or an LLC. If you want to operate as a sole proprietor under your legal name, you don’t need to register it. However, if you want a different name, you should register a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
Application process for DBA:
- Choose a unique business name by searching for its availability on the Rhode Island Department of State business database.
- There’s no statewide registration for DBA in Rhode Island. Instead, you need to register it at the city level.
- File DBA with the city clerk where you want to conduct your business. Here’s a list of city clerk offices in the state. Most city clerks require submitting the form in person.
- Pay a filing fee, which is usually $10, but make sure to confirm the exact amount with your local city clerk. In Rhode Island, you should notarize the DBA filing form by a notary public. If you don’t get it done before submitting the form, the city clerk’s office can do it for a $5 fee.
Application process for LLC:
- Choose a unique business name by checking its availability on the Rhode Island Department of State business database.
- Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents and notices.
- File articles of organization online or send it by mail to this address:
| Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615 |
- You can also submit the form in person.
- Pay a filing fee of $150, which is the same if you file online, by mail, or in person.
- Create a Rhode Island LLC operating agreement. It’s not legally required, but highly recommended.
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service website and set up a business bank account.
- File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Note: Make sure to check with your city or county for any local licensing requirements.
Is There an Exam to Become a Handyman in Rhode Island?
No, you don’t need to pass an exam to become a handyman in Rhode Island. However, you should have the skills to do the job correctly and only take on projects that you’re legally allowed to work on without a license.
Are You Handy? Get Busy
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock created using Canva Pro
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