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Do Gardeners need a Contractors License in California?

By Robert Machado

Property Manager with HomePointe Property Management, CRMC 00691121

November 21, 2008 10:10 AM

Since I am a property manager I often get asked if a contractors license is required for a gardener. The answer is "maybe".

For routine yard care to cut the lawn (mow and blow) a license is not required even if the weekly job is over $500.00. But, if the company does any repairs or installations that exceed $500.00, a contractors license is required.

Many property managers trip up on this by having their gardener put in a new sprinkler system and/or lawn because they like their yard service.

Landlords should also be checking that all their vendors have proper licenses (contractors for jobs over $500.00 and a business license), liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance if they have one or more employees. Be careful here, you could get sued by an injured employee if your vendor does not carry the proper insurance.

www.HomePointe.com

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Kenneth Ferreira

Ramona Property Managers, Inc. - El Monte, CA

Robert--Thank you for the friendly reminder.

Nov 23, 2008 03:57 PM

Golden Estate Management

Golden Estate Property Management - Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for letting everyone know that!

Dec 04, 2008 04:50 AM

Josh Groves

jobtrio.com - Santa Barbara, CA

Good fact that few know. Thanks. Also, just so people can have it right at hand, here is a link to the CSLB so that you can verify a contractor's licensing.

Since I have the dubious honor of overseeing one of California's largest contractor directory websites, I am constantly cautioning our users on the dangers of unlicensed contracting. The sad truth is it is actually on the rise!

Mar 26, 2009 09:40 AM

Robert Savage

Bakersfield Property Solutions - Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield Short Sales, Property Management, Cash

Thanks for the info. This is just what I was looking for.

Oct 26, 2009 04:42 PM

Anonymous

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Apr 15, 2012 11:51 AM

Dallas Yvonne Auldridge

As a senior citizen. What do I do when the gardener I hired took my money but never completed the job? Police, Ombudsman, or both?

Apr 23, 2016 06:34 PM

Robert Machado

Check with the police or your legal advisor.

Apr 24, 2016 07:26 AM

Alicia

I am a garden designer and installer (a MasterGardener as well)
I am NOT a contractor but have full insurance on myself and my crew.
I took a job to do a "garden make-over" Once the job was over the people (who are both lawyers) asked for my contractors licenses - when i said I am NOT a contractor and NEVER said I was- they said that my proposal was null and void and that they do not need to pay me. I was screwed out of $4300. Is that just the way it is? Please advise? They also said the law states that they only need to give me 10% up front- could that be? even Home Depot takes 50% deposits!

Feb 24, 2018 07:58 AM

Julio Ordonez

Sir. appreciate your information very helpfull

Jul 04, 2018 12:16 PM

William

I live in a mobile home park i do handyman work btw.this is a senior park.i do weed pulling trim sagos ect.the manager says i need to have a city license or i cant work the total amount for a month $150 thats 3 customers can she stop me

Sep 19, 2018 10:32 AM

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Do Gardeners need a Contractors License in California?

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