Texas · Contractor Dispute
Texas Contractor Demand Letter
Texas homeowners dealing with contractor disputes, common after hurricane and storm season, should understand that Texas does not require a general contractor license (though electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians must be licensed). This makes the Texas DTPA (triple damages for deceptive practices) and mechanic's lien law (Tex. Prop. Code Section 53) the primary tools for resolving contractor disputes. Post-hurricane fraud, abandonment, substandard work, overbilling, is a persistent problem in coastal Texas.
Texas has no general contractor licensing requirement, but DTPA triple damages apply to contractor fraud, and unlicensed electrical or plumbing work voids the contractor's ability to file a mechanic's lien.
Governing law
Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Section 17.46 (DTPA) + Tex. Prop. Code Section 53 (Mechanic's Lien) + Tex. Occ. Code Section 1305 (Electricians)
Start Your Texas Contractor Demand
Cites Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Section 17.46 (DTPA) + Tex. Prop. Code Section 53 (Mechanic's Lien) + Tex. Occ. Code Section 1305 (Electricians). Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF.
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Texas Contractor Dispute FAQs
Does Texas require contractors to be licensed?▾
For general contractors: no state license required, though some cities (Houston, Austin, Dallas) require local registration. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and irrigators must hold state licenses from their respective boards. Always ask for state license numbers for trade work.
What are my options if a Texas contractor abandoned my job or did poor work?▾
1) Send a formal demand letter citing the contract and DTPA (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Section 17.46). This gives the contractor 60 days to respond before you can sue for triple damages. 2) File a complaint with the Texas AG. 3) File in small claims court (up to $20,000). 4) For licensed trades, file a complaint with their state board (TDLR for electricians/plumbers at tdlr.texas.gov).
Can a Texas contractor put a lien on my house if I don't pay a disputed amount?▾
Yes, Texas has broad mechanic's lien rights under Tex. Prop. Code Section 53. However, lien rights can be waived by the contractor's non-compliance with the contract or DTPA violations. If a lien is filed for a disputed amount, you can post a lien release bond or challenge the lien in court. Do not ignore a lien notice.
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