Monthly Archives :

May 2017

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Can I Rent a License?

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A question that often comes up in relation to construction licensing through a qualifier or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) is ‘Can I rent a license?”  The answer is NO.

There is a mistaken belief that because the licensing exam is waived that means that the RMO’s personal license is being rented out. Renting a license for a fee is illegal and is a different relationship than the RMO-Contractor relationship created at RMO Agency.

First and foremost, when working with an RMO, a new license number is issued to a corporate entity. The license issued is NOT the RMO’s personal license number.

As Business and Professions Code section 7068.1 states, a contractor can waive the state exam and can become licensed using an RMO as long as:

The person qualifying on behalf of an individual or firm …shall be responsible for exercising that direct supervision and control of his or her employer’s or principal’s construction operations as is necessary to secure full compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the board relating to the construction operations.

In plain English, an RMO can qualify a license as long as he or she makes sure that all construction operations under the license follow CSLB rules and regulations.

RMO Agency requires both its contractors and RMOs to sign a supervision mentorship plan that guides them to lead a relationship that is in compliance with CSLB requirements.

RMO Agency also provides the RMO with visit report templates to be completed during each visit in order to have the important details of any ongoing projects and ensure the proper steps have been taken such as pulling a permit, using a legal construction contract, etc..

In addition, RMO Agency provides clients access to a FREE secure online portal in which important construction documents can be shared for the purpose of organized record-keeping and sufficient supervision. Examples of documents uploaded are new construction contracts, permits, project photos and progress, visit reports and more.

Following RMO Agency’s supervision mentorship plan is an arrangement that benefits all parties:

  • The consumer hiring the contractor understands that the project is being done correctly with the proper supervision of the license qualifier.
  • The contractor knows he/she is working legally by having the operations details reviewed by the RMO
  • The RMO’s license is protected due to all the legal requirements being followed AND receives payment for supervisory services

RMO Agency requires all of its RMOs and contractors to follow all rules and regulations of the CSLB or be in breach of contract.

Due to the detailed supervision mentorship program and the support, education and tools provided by RMO Agency, it is safer to use RMO Agency to find your Responsible Managing Officer than to do it on your own. The Agency makes sure that everything is being done properly and legally — it dots all the i’s and crosses the t’s for you so that you don’t have to worry about a proper relationship with your license qualifier.

10 years

RMO Agency celebrates 10 years in business!

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In 2016, RMO Agency has reached the prestigious milestone of 10 years in business!

Throughout the years we have learned about the construction industry in California and the licensing regulations that are so important in order to keep one’s license in good standing. As a result, we shaped our program with the intention of helping new contractors start and run long-term businesses using the help of their license qualifiers (RMOs) and our support.

We noticed that the business relationships we are setting up between the new contractors and their RMOs are successful when they become real friends- they meet for lunches and family holiday parties, call each other when there is a problem and both sides are just as eager to resolve issues in order to keep the business up and running.

In addition to creating more value and educational tools to our clients, we are pleased with seeing our clients ‘graduate’ the program by becoming their own RMOs or license qualifiers after 5 years. At that point they no longer need the support of the assigned RMOs or RMO Agency. Even after the contractors’ ‘graduations’ we are told they are staying in touch with their previous RMOs!

It is rewarding to know that we have helped individuals, families and communities create financial stability by forming their small businesses and getting licensed!

We thank our clients for making it possible for us to continue helping new and existing contractors and we look forward to the next celebration!

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Important CSLB changes – New applications & Fees

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Last year CSLB created a new version of many of its applications.  As of May 1st, 2017, ONLY the new version is being accepted. If a previous version application is submitted, it will be rejected and will need to re-submitted with the fees. This will greatly delay the processing time of your application!

Below is a list of the forms that have been updated:

  • Application for Original Contractor License (13A-1)
  • Application for Original Contractor License – Examination Waiver (7065) (13A-1a)
  • Section 4 – Personnel Full Legal Names and Addresses (13A-1d)
  • Request for License Number Reissuance (13A-1h)
  • Application for Additional Classification (13A-2)
  • Application for Replacing the Qualifying Individual (13A-2a)
  • Application for Joint Venture Contractor License (13A-3)
  • Application to Inactivate Contractor’s License (13A-5)
  • Application to Add New Personnel to an Existing Corporate or Limited Liability Company License (13A-7)
  • Application to Report Change of Title for Current Officer or Personnel of Existing Corporate or Limited Liability Company License (13A-7a)
  • Certification of Work Experience (13A-11)
  • Application for Asbestos Certification (13A-25)
  • Application for Hazardous Substance Removal and Remedial Actions Certification (13A-26)
  • Application to Add a New Limited Partner to an Existing Partnership License (13A-62)
  • Owner-Builder B-General Building Construction Project Experience (13A-64a)
  • Application to Change Home Improvement Salesperson Address (13H-8)
  • Application for Registration as a Home Improvement Salesperson (13H-11)
  • Application to Change Contractor Business Name or Address (13L-4)

Please be sure to use the NEW version when you submit your application to CSLB: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx

Second important change: as of July 1st 2017 there is a fee increase to certain types of applications: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Media_Room/Industry_Bulletins/2017/May_1.aspx