(LAKELAND, Fla.) - Home repairs are almost unavoidable in areas hit by a disaster. Whether it's minor damage, like some lost roof shingles, or something more severe, like a floor that has been damaged by flooding, it’s likely you’ll need to contact a contractor to help get your home back into shape following a disaster.
While there are many contractors who follow ethical business practices, there are unfortunately others who see the vulnerability of disaster survivors as an opportunity to take advantage of their clients. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) created the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center (LADRC) website to help protect survivors, keeping them informed and combating fraudulent contractor practices.
To protect yourself from fraudulent contractors, follow these guidelines:
- Get several written bids or estimates from at least three different contractors
- Make sure to get the contractor’s full name, address, and phone number
- Make sure the contractor is reputable by asking for references, checking with the Better Business Bureau and courthouse for criminal history and civil cases against the contractor
- In your written contract, specify the work needed to be done, including the price
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand
- Make sure you’re in control of the money by paying as little as possible up-front, not making a full payment until after the work is finished, and not paying in cash
At FRLS we aim to protect our clients from shady contractors and keep them on track to recovery with our disaster legal services. If you’ve been a victim of home repair fraud, call us for assistance at 1-888-582-3410.
Be prepared to handle home repair fraud by accessing LSC’s LADRC, available on our website.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.