(a)  A contractor may not file a lien, file a claim with the board, or bring or maintain in any court of this state a suit or action for compensation for the performance of any work on any structure or for the breach of any contract for work on any structure that is subject to this chapter, unless the contractor was:

(1)  Registered under this chapter at the time the contractor bid or entered into the contract for performance of the work unless the bid or contract predated July 1, 1990; and

(2)  Registered continuously while performing the work for which compensation is sought.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-4

  • Board: means the contractors' registration and licensing board established pursuant to the provisions of § 5-65-14 or its designees. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1
  • Claim: means that portion of a complaint that pertains to the complainant's assertion that they are entitled to monetary damages, an order for specific performance of work and/or other contractual or equitable relief or remedies on account of allegations or disputes between themself and a contractor or themself and a subcontractor. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Contractor: includes , but is not limited to, any person who purchases or owns property and constructs, or for compensation arranges for the construction of, one or more structures. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • State: means the state of Rhode Island. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1
  • Structure: means (i) Any commercial building; or (ii) Any building containing one or more residences and their appurtenances. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-65-1

(b)  A court may choose not to apply this section if the court finds that to do so would result in a substantial injustice to the unregistered contractor.

History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch 350, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 322, § 1.