I am a contractor in New Jersey. I had submitted paper work for a client to get a permit to raise their home. The client picked up the permi...

Question

I am a contractor in New Jersey. I had submitted paper work for a client to get a permit to raise their home. The client picked up the permit and paid all fees but hired another contractor. The contractor is now working under the permit in my name. What legal actions do I have available?

Answer

Go to the town's building department and tell them you are no longer on the project. The town will pull the permit unless client provides new contractor information.

Answer

RUN, do not walk to the building code office, and hand them a letter stating that YOU did not submit for the permit, and YOU are not the contractor doing the work, and you demand the permit be withdrawn. F the homeowner.

Some towns may not cooperate, so at the same time - send the homeowner a letter regular and CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT mail, demanding they stop construction under the permit with your company name on it, or you will file to enjoin them from construction, that they will be responsible for your legal costs, that in addition to being jerks, they committed fraud in obtaining a false permit stating you are the contractor, and you will sue them for any defamation of your business. Give them 24 hours to comply after receipt. If they do not act, you have to do something, or you and your insurance company may be on the hook for any problems that arise, so stay on top of this. Your going to the town or their action should keep you out of trouble.