Moorpark, CA asked in Business Law, Contracts and Construction Law for California

Q: I recently received a bill from a handyman for services rendered in December of 2017. Do I have to pay this?

I have never been billed for these services and had inquired multiple times for a bill in December 2017. Since so much time has elapsed, I feel even the hours are a bit high. I believe this was an oral agreement only for the work rendered Am I still responsible to pay?

2 Lawyer Answers
Donald M Barker
Donald M Barker
Answered
  • Construction Law Lawyer
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: As a general rule, any civil action for monies owed for services or goods must be commenced within two years of providing such services or goods, with some narrow exceptions. If there is a written contract, the statute of limitations is four years, with some exceptions.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The statute of limitations (time to file a complaint before the claim goes stale) for contracts is 2 year on an oral agreement and 4 years on a written agreement.

Handymen must be licensed contractors or they are limited to an aggregate of $600.00 for work done on a property. This means that if the handyman did several jobs on the property in 2017 and got paid for some or all, the total they can collect is $600.00.

You should consult an attorney in your area to seek advice about your situation.

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