A question that often comes up in relation to construction licensing through a qualifier or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) is ‘Can I rent a license?” The answer is NO.
There is a mistaken belief that because the licensing exam is waived that means that the RMO’s personal license is being rented out. Renting a license for a fee is illegal and is a different relationship than the RMO-Contractor relationship created at RMO Agency.
First and foremost, when working with an RMO, a new license number is issued to a corporate entity. The license issued is NOT the RMO’s personal license number.
As Business and Professions Code section 7068.1 states, a contractor can waive the state exam and can become licensed using an RMO as long as:
The person qualifying on behalf of an individual or firm …shall be responsible for exercising that direct supervision and control of his or her employer’s or principal’s construction operations as is necessary to secure full compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the board relating to the construction operations.
In plain English, an RMO can qualify a license as long as he or she makes sure that all construction operations under the license follow CSLB rules and regulations.
RMO Agency requires both its contractors and RMOs to sign a supervision mentorship plan that guides them to lead a relationship that is in compliance with CSLB requirements.
RMO Agency also provides the RMO with visit report templates to be completed during each visit in order to have the important details of any ongoing projects and ensure the proper steps have been taken such as pulling a permit, using a legal construction contract, etc..
In addition, RMO Agency provides clients access to a FREE secure online portal in which important construction documents can be shared for the purpose of organized record-keeping and sufficient supervision. Examples of documents uploaded are new construction contracts, permits, project photos and progress, visit reports and more.
Following RMO Agency’s supervision mentorship plan is an arrangement that benefits all parties:
- The consumer hiring the contractor understands that the project is being done correctly with the proper supervision of the license qualifier.
- The contractor knows he/she is working legally by having the operations details reviewed by the RMO
- The RMO’s license is protected due to all the legal requirements being followed AND receives payment for supervisory services
RMO Agency requires all of its RMOs and contractors to follow all rules and regulations of the CSLB or be in breach of contract.
Due to the detailed supervision mentorship program and the support, education and tools provided by RMO Agency, it is safer to use RMO Agency to find your Responsible Managing Officer than to do it on your own. The Agency makes sure that everything is being done properly and legally — it dots all the i’s and crosses the t’s for you so that you don’t have to worry about a proper relationship with your license qualifier.