Homeowners face financial harm when a registered contractor doesn’t finish a home project or leave unrepaired, inferior, or negligent work. The Homeowner Recovery Fund represents a step in the right direction toward financial recovery.

On this page, you can find out:

  • If you qualify.
  • How to apply.
  • What happens next.
  • Where to get more information.

Who qualifies

You must own and occupy the home where the work took place. It means a single-family home, or multi-family dwelling with four or fewer units. (Note: Condominiums excluded).

Also, you must:

  • Make sure the contractor who did the work registered with L&I. Check Lni.wa.gov/Verify.
  • File a summons and complaint in superior court and get a final judgment against the contractor. (Note: The judgment must be ordered after July 1, 2026).
  • Apply to the fund within 90 days after the court case ends.

How to apply

Attach with your application:

  • A certified copy of the final judgment from the superior court.
  • Proof of residency such as a deed, mortgage statement, or recent utility bill.
  • If applicable, a copy of the response letter from the contractor’s bond company verifying proof of payment, or a copy of the check.

Review this guidance document before applying.

Send the application and accompanying documents to:

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Contractor Registration Program
P.O. Box 44450
Tumwater, WA 98504-4450

What happens next

It will take about 14 business days to review your application. If approved, you will need to sign your judgment rights to L&I before payment is made.

Note: Successful applicants can receive up to $25,000, depending on available funds. If there isn’t enough money in the fund, we will send a notice that you’ve been placed on a waitlist. We’ll send a second notice when the money’s available.

Payment will be made in the order of placement on the list. At that time, you can let us know how you’d like to receive the payment. If denied, we’ll tell you why. You may be able to resubmit the application.

More information
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.27.410 (Homeowner Recovery Fund)
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-200A-9100-9135 (scroll down to Homeowner Recovery Fund)
Homeowner Recovery Program Report (December 2025)
Strengthening protections for consumers in the construction industry, 2SHB 1534 (2023)
Fact Sheet (Publication F625-120-000, June 2026)
ProtectMyHome.net
360-902-5699
HRF@Lni.wa.gov