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What are our legal rights if a contractor quits without notice?

What are our legal rights if a contractor quits without notice?

Full question:

A contractor we hired to do some painting and home repair just quit working on our home without notice. There are things that are not finished or that we are unhappy with, but he has sent us a bill. What are our legal rights?

Category: Contractors
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

If you have a written contract with the contractor, you may enforce it if you believe they have breached the agreement. It's important to review your options before the contractor tries to file a lien on your property for non-payment. Under Texas law, a contractor can place a lien if they provide labor or materials for construction or repair under a contract with the property owner or their agent (see Texas Property Code). This lien secures payment for the work done.

If you are dissatisfied with the work or if it is unfinished, consider sending the contractor a letter stating your concerns. You can request that they address the issues within a specific timeframe. If they do not respond, you may hire another contractor to complete the work.

If the contractor files a lien against your property, you might have grounds for a claim of slander of title or to vacate the lien. Consulting with a local attorney who specializes in construction law in Texas would be advisable.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Who pays if a contractor makes a mistake?

Generally, the contractor is responsible for correcting mistakes they make in their work. If the contractor fails to fix the issue, you may have the right to withhold payment until the work meets the agreed standards. If the mistake leads to additional costs, you may also seek compensation. Always check your contract for specific terms regarding mistakes and remedies.

How to sue a contractor for not finishing work?

To sue a contractor for not completing work, start by documenting the unfinished work and any communication with the contractor. Review your contract for breach terms. You may need to send a demand letter requesting completion or compensation. If the contractor does not respond, you can file a lawsuit in small claims court or a higher court, depending on the amount involved. Consulting with an attorney is advisable.

How do you deal with an unresponsive contractor?

If a contractor is unresponsive, start by reaching out through multiple channels, such as phone, email, and written letters. Document all attempts to communicate. If they still do not respond, consider sending a formal demand letter outlining your concerns and requesting a timeline for resolution. If they remain unresponsive, you may need to consult with an attorney or consider hiring another contractor.

What happens if you pay a contractor and they don't do the work?

If you pay a contractor and they do not perform the work, you may have grounds to pursue a refund. Document your payment and any communication regarding the work. You can start by contacting the contractor to request a refund. If they refuse, you may need to file a complaint with the state licensing board or take legal action, depending on the circumstances.

Do you have to pay a contractor if they don't finish the job?

Typically, you are not obligated to pay a contractor in full if they do not complete the job as agreed. You may withhold payment until the work is finished to your satisfaction. Review your contract for specific terms regarding payment and completion. If the contractor demands payment, document your reasons for withholding it and consider seeking legal advice.

How long does a contractor have to fix something after?

The time a contractor has to fix issues depends on your contract and the nature of the work. Generally, you should provide the contractor a reasonable timeframe to address any problems. If the contract specifies a timeline for repairs, they must adhere to that. If they fail to fix the issue within the agreed time, you may consider further action, such as hiring another contractor.