New York has no statewide roofing license. What the state does regulate is the contract. Under General Business Law §771, a home improvement contract has to be in writing and signed by both sides, with the contractor’s name, address, phone and any license number, estimated start and finish dates, and a description of the work and price.
Section 771-b adds rules aimed at roofers. The written contract must name the insurer, the type of coverage and the policy limits. A roofer is barred from advertising or promising to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible. A homeowner whose claim is denied in writing can cancel an insurance-funded roofing contract before midnight on the third business day after that notice.
In New York City, a separate Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is required for residential work totaling more than $200.
Our view: when a review says a roofer “refused to cover my deductible,” that refusal is what the law requires. We point that out when we document a review for the platform.