What does Pennsylvania law tell a homeowner before a home job?

(10) (i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii), for a home improvement contract in which the total price is more than $5,000, receive a deposit in excess of: (A) one-third of the home improvement contract price; or (B) one-third of the home improvement contract price plus the cost of special order materials that will be ordered, as designated in the written contract.

Source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act 132 of 2008, 73 P.S. § 517.9(10)(i) (HICPA §9(10)(i)), read 22 October 2026

(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) shall not apply to a home improvement retailer, regardless of net worth, who does all of the following: (A) Posts an irrevocable letter of credit payable to the bureau for the use and benefit of every person protected by the provisions of this subparagraph in a form approved by the bureau, in the amount of $100,000 per store location but not to exceed $2,000,000 for a home improvement retailer that has multiple stores. (B) Ensures that its contractors are registered under this act and have proof of liability insurance as defined in section 4(a)(1)(ix).

Source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act 132 of 2008, 73 P.S. § 517.9(10)(ii) (HICPA §9(10)(ii)), read 22 October 2026

(a) Requirements.--No home improvement contract shall be valid or enforceable against an owner unless it: (1) Is in writing and legible and contains the home improvement contractor registration number of the performing contractor. (2) Is signed by all of the following: (i) The owner, his agent or other contracted party. (ii) The contractor or a salesperson on behalf of a contractor. (3) Contains the entire agreement between the owner and the contractor, including attached copies of all required notices. (4) Contains the date of the transaction.

Source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act 132 of 2008, 73 P.S. § 517.7(a)(1)-(4) (HICPA §7(a)), read 14 October 2026

(5) Contains the name, address and telephone number of the contractor. For the purposes of this paragraph, a post office box number alone shall not be considered an address. (6) Contains the approximate starting date and completion date. (7) Includes a description of the work to be performed, the materials to be used and a set of specifications that cannot be changed without a written change order signed by the owner and the contractor.

Source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act 132 of 2008, 73 P.S. § 517.7(a)(5)-(7) (HICPA §7(a)), read 14 October 2026

(b) Right of rescission.--An individual signing a home improvement contract, except as provided in the emergency provisions of section 7 of the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, shall be permitted to rescind the contract without penalty regardless of where the contract was signed, within three business days of the date of signing.

Source: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act 132 of 2008, 73 P.S. § 517.7(b) (HICPA §7(b)), read 14 October 2026

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Source: hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov, read 22 October 2026