Unlicensed Contracting

Unlicensed Contracting
It is important to ensure that the person you have contracted with to perform the building work holds an appropriate BSA licence. The Online Licence Search facility should be used to check that the licensee holds an active licence and one that covers the type of work to be performed. When the work is to be carried out by a company it should have its own licence number and not be working under an individual licensee's licence number.

Please note that from 1 December 2009, there was a change in building regulations which now allows for persons to contract to carry out most types of building work of a value $3,300 or less. Click here for additional information.

Does BSA investigate complaints about unlicensed contracting?
Yes - BSA is able to investigate complaints in relation to unlicensed contracting (including advertising by an unlicensed contractor). BSA targets unlicensed contracting and recognises that you are in a position to provide information about suspected unlicensed contractors. Information supplied in relation to an unlicensed contracting complaint can assist with detecting this activity and taking appropriate action.

BSA investigates every reported allegation of unlicensed contracting where sufficient information has been provided.

What is the minimum required information?
The minimum information required is:

Site address

Description of works performed

Name of the offender

Dates the offence was committed

Some type of documentary evidence

Your personal details are kept "In Confidence" and are not revealed to the unlicensed person.

Do not send original documents - BSA can not return documents.
Any documents provided by you will be destroyed pursuant to Principal 7 - Information Standard 40.

How is a complaint lodged?
Contact BSA on 1300 272 272 and have a form posted to you or download a form. You are required to complete a Notification of Offence form and fill in all relevant sections. You will also be requested to provide any documentation giving information about the unlicensed person to BSA including - quotes, contracts, tax invoices, adverts etc.

What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting?
Where an investigation is carried out and the person is deemed to have been unlicensed contracting, BSA can issue a fine to an unlicensed contractor (one for each offence). BSA is also able to commence proceedings against the unlicensed person through the Magistrates Court or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).