How should a handyman manage deposits legally to avoid complaints or claims?

Q: How should a handyman manage deposits legally to avoid complaints or claims?

Direct answer: Handle deposits legally by keeping them reasonable, documenting their purpose, and applying them correctly to invoices. Clear deposit terms reduce cancellations without creating refund disputes. Practical steps Know the rule: Check your state/city limits for job value and restricted trades. Put it in writing: Use written scope + approvals so disputes don't become stories. Keep proof handy: Store photos, COIs, and key docs per job for fast retrieval. Next step: Add one sentence of scope/limit language to your estimate footer and use it going forward.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Handle deposits legally by keeping them reasonable, documenting their purpose, and applying them correctly to invoices. Clear deposit terms reduce cancellations without creating refund disputes.

Practical steps

Know the rule: Check your state/city limits for job value and restricted trades.
Put it in writing: Use written scope + approvals so disputes don't become stories.
Keep proof handy: Store photos, COIs, and key docs per job for fast retrieval.

Next step: Add one sentence of scope/limit language to your estimate footer and use it going forward.