What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in College Park, Maryland?

In College Park (Prince George’s County), most paid home-repair/renovation work offered to homeowners requires Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensing (or working as an MHIC salesperson/employee of a licensed contractor). Maryland does NOT have a simple statewide “handyman under $X” exemption from MHIC for home-improvement contracting; instead, narrow carve-outs apply (notably for certain “minor home improvements” when performed by a landlord on the landlord’s own rental property). Separate state/county trade licenses apply for electrical, plumbing, HVACR, and gasfitting—those are not covered by MHIC and generally cannot be performed by an unlicensed handyman.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Basic painting and patch/paint (interior rooms, trim) that does not involve lead abatement requirements (older homes may trigger separate EPA RRP compliance for pre-1978 properties)
• Minor drywall repairs (small holes, dings), caulking, weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry not affecting structure (install baseboards, replace interior doors/door hardware, install shelving, assemble cabinets/furniture)
• Replace like-for-like plumbing trim items only when allowed by local rules (e.g., swap a faucet/aerator or showerhead) but NOT moving/altering supply/drain lines (verify local permit rules)
• Replace light fixtures/switch plates only where permitted and not involving new circuits, panel work, or permit-triggering electrical changes (many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician—verify before offering this service)
• Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, minor exterior maintenance that does not alter building elements
• Tile/grout repair and like-for-like flooring repairs in small areas (no structural subfloor work)
• Yard/seasonal services (fence staining, minor repairs that do not involve structural changes or new footings)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in College Park

Based on the MD threshold, handymen in College Park commonly take on:

• Basic painting and patch/paint (interior rooms, trim) that does not involve lead abatement requirements (older homes may trigger separate EPA RRP compliance for pre-1978 properties)
• Minor drywall repairs (small holes, dings), caulking, weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry not affecting structure (install baseboards, replace interior doors/door hardware, install shelving, assemble cabinets/furniture)
• Replace like-for-like plumbing trim items only when allowed by local rules (e.g., swap a faucet/aerator or showerhead) but NOT moving/altering supply/drain lines (verify local permit rules)
• Replace light fixtures/switch plates only where permitted and not involving new circuits, panel work, or permit-triggering electrical changes (many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician—verify before offering this service)
• Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, minor exterior maintenance that does not alter building elements
• Tile/grout repair and like-for-like flooring repairs in small areas (no structural subfloor work)
• Yard/seasonal services (fence staining, minor repairs that do not involve structural changes or new footings)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Home improvement contracting for homeowners/residential property for compensation typically requires an MHIC contractor license (or working under a licensed MHIC contractor as an employee/salesperson where applicable)
• Electrical work beyond the most minor tasks—new circuits, panel work, receptacle additions/relocations, service upgrades—requires proper electrical licensing and permits (county-controlled in many MD jurisdictions, including Prince George’s County)
• Plumbing work beyond simple fixture trim swaps—water heater replacement, valve replacements, new/relocated lines, drain work—requires a Maryland plumbing license and permits/inspections
• HVACR work (install/replace/repair of furnaces, heat pumps, AC, refrigerant handling) requires Maryland HVACR licensing; refrigerant handling also implicates federal EPA Section 608 certification
• Gasfitting work (gas piping, appliance hookups requiring pipe changes/pressure tests) requires properly licensed gasfitter/plumber where applicable and permits
• Structural alterations (bearing walls, additions, framing changes) require permits and often a licensed contractor; engineered plans may be required
• Roof replacements and major exterior envelope work often require permits and are commonly treated as MHIC-regulated home improvement work

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In MD, you can take jobs under $None (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — College Park

Required. City of College Park Business License (and/or Rental/Use-based licenses depending on activity)

Setting Up Your Business in MD

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MD: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in College Park

1. Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with Maryland SDAT ($100 filing) and set up tax accounts via Maryland Business Express
2. Step 2: If you will perform/offer residential home-improvement work for compensation, pursue MHIC contractor licensing (and bond) before advertising or contracting
3. Step 3: Obtain City of College Park business license (confirm category/fee with City Clerk/Finance) and verify whether a Trader’s License applies based on whether you sell materials at retail
4. Step 4: Get general liability insurance (commonly $1,000,000) and verify permit requirements with Prince George’s County DPIE for your typical job types

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.