How General Contractor Licensing Board Complaints Work in New Hampshire (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) and protecting your professional license
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If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification), you're likely feeling anxious, confused, or even scared. That's completely understandable. A licensing board complaint can feel like a threat to everything you've worked for.
Here's what's important to know: receiving a complaint doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Many complaints are administrative in nature, stem from misunderstandings, or are resolved without any disciplinary action.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, help you understand the process, and give you the clarity you need to respond thoughtfully. It also explains early, practical steps professionals use to begin defending themselves and protecting their license. You're not alone in this.
If you received a written notice from a board investigator, you may also want to review our guide on responding to licensing board investigation letters. Understanding how the investigation process works can also help you prepare.
What Triggers Complaints Against General Contractors in New Hampshire
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- OPLC license lapses
- CE deficiencies
- Local registration expirations
- Insurance certificate gaps
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- RSA 358-A deceptive practices
- Door-to-door cancellation violations
- Defective workmanship
- Mechanic's lien overstatement
- Failure to honor written representations
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification)
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Filed
Consumer files with NH AG Consumer Protection Bureau, OPLC (for trade licenses), or local building department.
Investigation
Investigator obtains contracts, cancellation notices, OPLC license/CE records, and permit history.
Demand Letter
AG issues written demand under RSA 358-A; 30-day response typical.
Mediation
AG mediates restitution or completion.
Assurance of Discontinuance
Signed AOD filed with Merrimack County court; binding for future conduct.
Civil Action
If unresolved, AG sues in Merrimack County (Concord) Superior Court for injunction, restitution, and civil penalties.
OPLC Discipline
Parallel OPLC proceeding for trade-license violations under RSA Ch. 541-A.
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act, RSA § 358-A. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification)
Response Deadline
The New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 30 days), but the exact timeframe varies by case. Check your specific notice for the deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary significantly based on the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and how you respond. Here are typical possibilities:
Voluntary Compliance
Refund or repair negotiated.
Assurance of Discontinuance
Court-filed promise; binding.
Civil Penalty
Up to $10,000 per willful RSA 358-A violation (RSA § 358-A:6).
Restitution & Costs
Full repayment plus AG investigation costs and fees.
OPLC License Discipline
Suspension or revocation of plumbing/electrical/gas-fitting license.
Doubled Damages (Private Action)
Private RSA 358-A:10 suits allow doubled damages plus attorney's fees.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
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The New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau (and Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) Process
New Hampshire does not license general contractors at the state level. Plumbing (RSA § 153:27 et seq.), electrical (RSA § 319-C), and gas-fitting (RSA § 153:30-a) licenses are issued by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). General contractor consumer complaints are handled by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau under the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce.
What Makes This Process Unique
New Hampshire has NO statewide general contractor license. Trade licensing is limited to plumbing, electrical, and gas-fitting through OPLC.
The NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A) prohibits 16 enumerated deceptive practices and a general unfairness clause; civil penalties up to $10,000 per willful violation (RSA § 358-A:6).
Private actions under RSA § 358-A:10 allow at least $1,000 or actual damages (whichever greater), doubled for willful violations, plus attorney's fees.
NH Door-to-Door Sales Act (RSA § 361-B) gives consumers a 3-business-day cancellation right for in-person sales over $25.
Mechanic's liens governed by RSA § 447:2 et seq.; original contractors must file within 120 days of last work.
Local building departments (Manchester, Concord, Portsmouth) enforce permit and code compliance; some municipalities require local registration.
Tips for Responding
- If you hold an OPLC trade license, complete CE on time and update your address; lapsed-license discipline is a common avoidable issue.
- Provide the statutory 3-business-day cancellation notice on every door-to-door home-improvement sale.
- Use clear written contracts on all projects; oral contracts and vague written agreements invite RSA 358-A claims.
- Honor written representations about timing, materials, and price; the NH AG aggressively pursues 'bait-and-switch' style practices.
- Maintain liability insurance and document permit pulls with each municipality.
- Track NH mechanic's lien deadlines: 120 days from last labor or material; lien petition must be filed in superior court within 1 year.
- Some professionals choose to consult with or retain an attorney experienced in professional license defense, depending on the complexity of their situation.
Helpful Resources
NH Consumer Protection Act
RSA § 358-A governs unfair and deceptive acts in trade.
NH OPLC Trade Licensing
Plumbing, electrical, and gas-fitting licensing and discipline.
NH Door-to-Door Sales Act
RSA § 361-B mandates cancellation rights for in-person sales.
