What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Temple Hills, Maryland?

Temple Hills is an unincorporated community in Prince George’s County, Maryland (not an incorporated city). For most handyman/home-improvement-type work on 1–4 family residences, Maryland generally expects you to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) unless you fit a narrow exemption (such as working as a W-2 employee of a registered contractor or doing work on your own property). Separate state or local trade licenses apply for plumbing, electrical, HVACR, and gas work, and permits may still be required even when a license/registration exemption applies.

The magic number in MD: $None. Jobs under $None (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $None require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Punch-list / minor repairs as a W-2 employee of a properly MHIC-registered contractor (you personally are not the contracting party)
Work on property you own/occupy (owner work), subject to county permits/inspections and trade-license rules
Painting (interior/exterior) when not acting as a “home improvement contractor” offering broader services—note many paid-for paint jobs are treated as home improvement contracting and may require MHIC when offered to the public
Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
Caulking, grouting, and tile repairs that do not alter waterproofing assemblies requiring permits
Replacing door hardware/locksets and installing window coverings
Assembling furniture, installing shelving where no structural changes are made
Yard/landscape maintenance (mowing, trimming) (separate from construction/retaining walls/graded drainage changes which can require permits)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Temple Hills

Based on the MD threshold, handymen in Temple Hills commonly take on:

Punch-list / minor repairs as a W-2 employee of a properly MHIC-registered contractor (you personally are not the contracting party)
Painting (interior/exterior) when not acting as a “home improvement contractor” offering broader services—note many paid-for paint jobs are treated as home improvement contracting and may require MHIC when offered to the public
Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
Caulking, grouting, and tile repairs that do not alter waterproofing assemblies requiring permits
Replacing door hardware/locksets and installing window coverings
Assembling furniture, installing shelving where no structural changes are made
Yard/landscape maintenance (mowing, trimming) (separate from construction/retaining walls/graded drainage changes which can require permits)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting for or performing “home improvement” work for a homeowner (repairs, remodeling, replacement, renovation, improvements) typically requires an MHIC registration when you are the business/contractor
Advertising or offering home improvement contracting services to the public without MHIC registration
Electrical work that requires a permit (new circuits, receptacles, lighting circuits, panel/service work, troubleshooting/repairs beyond simple cosmetic replacement) — typically requires county electrician licensure in Prince George’s County
Plumbing work beyond very minor like-for-like replacements and any work on water supply/drain/vent piping, water heaters, or gas piping — requires a licensed plumber/gasfitter and often permits
HVACR installation, replacement, or service involving regulated equipment/refrigerant — requires Maryland HVACR licensure
Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions), roofing replacement, window/door replacements that change openings/egress, decks, fences over certain heights — generally require permits and often licensed contracting through MHIC
Any work requiring pulling county building/mechanical/electrical/plumbing permits if you are the contractor of record

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 — Temple Hills

Not required at the city level.

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 Temple Hills

Step 1: Form your entity (optional but common): file an LLC with Maryland SDAT ($100).
Step 2: If you will contract directly with homeowners for repairs/improvements, apply for MHIC registration (budget: $370 biennial fee + $20,000 bond premium + insurance).
Step 3: Verify whether you need a Maryland Trader’s License through the Prince George’s County Circuit Court (fee varies by inventory/value and activity).
Step 4: Set up compliance for permits in Prince George’s County (DPIE): determine which jobs require permits and whether you can legally pull them.
Step 5: If you intend to offer electrical/plumbing/HVACR/gas services, pursue the correct trade license pathway (state or county) before advertising those services.

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