How to File a Complaint Against a New Hampshire Contractor
Filing a complaint against a contractor in New Hampshire involves distinct pathways depending on the nature of the violation — licensing infractions, consumer fraud, building code failures, and wage disputes each route to different regulatory bodies. The New Hampshire contractor complaint process is governed by state statute and administered through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) and other agencies with jurisdiction over specific contractor categories. Understanding which authority handles which complaint type determines whether a grievance receives administrative enforcement, civil remedy, or disciplinary action against a license.
Definition and scope
A contractor complaint in New Hampshire is a formal allegation submitted to a state regulatory body or consumer protection agency asserting that a licensed or unlicensed contractor violated applicable law, licensing conditions, contractual obligations, or professional standards.
The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) holds primary jurisdiction over complaints against licensees regulated under RSA 313-A (electricians), RSA 329-A (plumbers), and RSA 310-A (engineers and land surveyors), among other trades. The New Hampshire contractor regulatory agencies page details the full spectrum of oversight bodies by trade category.
Scope of this page: This page addresses complaints arising from contractor activity subject to New Hampshire state law and OPLC jurisdiction. It does not cover federal contractor disputes, federal procurement complaints (which route to the U.S. Government Accountability Office or agency Inspector Generals), or disputes governed exclusively by private contract arbitration clauses. Disputes involving contractors working on federally funded projects may fall under federal regulations outside OPLC authority. Interstate contractor misconduct may require engagement with the originating state's licensing board in addition to New Hampshire's process.
How it works
The complaint filing mechanism follows a staged administrative process:
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Determine the correct agency. Licensing violations (unlicensed practice, fraudulent credentials, professional misconduct) go to the OPLC. Consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, and contract disputes involving home improvement work route to the New Hampshire Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau under RSA 358-A. Wage theft or misclassification complaints route to the New Hampshire Department of Labor.
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Gather documentation. Supporting materials include signed contracts, written estimates, photographs of defective or incomplete work, permit records, payment receipts, and any written communications with the contractor. New Hampshire contractor contract requirements defines what written agreements should contain, which affects the evidentiary record.
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Submit the complaint form. The OPLC accepts complaints through its online portal at oplc.nh.gov. The Consumer Protection Bureau accepts complaints via its online complaint form. The Department of Labor provides wage claim forms on its website.
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Agency review and investigation. The OPLC assigns the complaint to an investigator who contacts the licensee and may request a response. Investigations under RSA 310-A can result in license suspension, revocation, civil fines, or referral to the Attorney General.
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Hearing and adjudication. If the investigation identifies probable cause, the matter proceeds to a disciplinary hearing before the relevant licensing board. Outcomes are public record.
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Civil remedies. Administrative complaints do not preclude civil litigation. Complainants may simultaneously pursue claims in New Hampshire Superior Court for breach of contract, negligence, or consumer protection violations under RSA 358-A, which provides for up to three times actual damages for willful violations (RSA 358-A:10).
Common scenarios
Licensing violations: A contractor performs electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work without the required state license. These complaints go directly to the OPLC. Unlicensed practice under RSA 313-A carries civil penalties. See New Hampshire license requirements for which trades require state licensing.
Defective workmanship: A roofing or home improvement contractor completes work that fails to meet building code or industry standards. If the contractor holds a state license, the OPLC has jurisdiction. If the contractor is unlicensed, the Consumer Protection Bureau and civil courts are the primary venues.
Abandoned projects: A contractor accepts payment and ceases work without cause. This scenario typically involves both a consumer protection complaint (RSA 358-A) and potentially a criminal referral if fraud is evident.
Permit failures: Work performed without required permits violates RSA 155-A (New Hampshire State Building Code) and may be reported to the local building department or municipality. See New Hampshire contractor permit requirements for permit obligations by project type.
Worker misclassification: A contractor improperly classifies employees as independent contractors to avoid payroll obligations. Complaints route to the New Hampshire Department of Labor under RSA 275-A. The New Hampshire contractor worker classification page covers the classification standards in detail.
Decision boundaries
Choosing the correct complaint pathway depends on three variables: the complainant's relationship to the contractor (consumer vs. worker vs. subcontractor), whether the contractor holds a state license, and the nature of the harm.
| Complaint Type | Primary Agency | Relevant Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed practice | OPLC | RSA 313-A, 329-A, 310-A |
| Consumer fraud / deception | NH AG Consumer Protection Bureau | RSA 358-A |
| Defective work (licensed trade) | OPLC licensing board | RSA 310-A |
| Wage theft / misclassification | NH Department of Labor | RSA 275-A |
| Building code violation | Local building department | RSA 155-A |
| Lien abuse | Superior Court / civil action | RSA 447 |
A consumer complaint to the OPLC and a consumer protection complaint to the AG's office are not mutually exclusive — filing both is permitted and often advisable when a licensed contractor also engaged in deceptive practices. However, OPLC disciplinary action does not automatically produce financial restitution; that requires civil litigation or a separate consumer protection ruling.
Contractors operating across state lines — such as those based in Massachusetts or Vermont performing work in New Hampshire — fall under New Hampshire out-of-state contractor requirements and remain subject to OPLC jurisdiction for work performed within state borders, regardless of where the contractor is licensed.
For disputes involving subcontractor relationships on commercial projects, the New Hampshire contractor dispute resolution framework and lien law under RSA 447 govern rights and remedies distinct from consumer-level complaints. New Hampshire contractor lien laws outlines those mechanics separately.
References
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
- New Hampshire Attorney General – Consumer Protection Bureau
- New Hampshire Department of Labor
- RSA 358-A – New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act (NH Legislature)
- RSA 313-A – Electricians (NH Legislature)
- RSA 329-A – Plumbers (NH Legislature)
- RSA 155-A – New Hampshire State Building Code (NH Legislature)
- RSA 447 – Liens on Real Estate and Personal Property (NH Legislature)
- RSA 275-A – Worker Classification / Employee Leasing (NH Legislature)