Luckily we have not personally had the experience with a contractor, but we HAVE (in the past) had TENANTS with anger management issues. And we have known "self-employed" painters and drywall guys who often have run-ins with the law or their temporary employers over anger and violence problems.

I watch Judge Judy too and it shows up a lot.

Under California Law, and may other States, any job that involves $500 or more (Labor and Materials) one MUST be a Licensed Contractor. Otherwise a client needs not make payment to a person contracting without a license.

There is a difference between someone who contracts for a job and SOMEONE who works for a landlord as there employee. As an employee, no license is needed.

Here is an example for everyone to review. You need some drywall replaced. Seams taped and mud applied. Sanded, primed then painted.

Case #1, you get an estimate and the person who is going to do the job decides how the job, materials and work will proceed. The Landlord get a price, estimate with materials, but has little to say how the job will be done. This contracting for work and the operator doing $500 or more must be licensed.

Case #2, The landlord hires a "worker" and says,

You will attach my 1/2" drywall to the studs using 1-1/4 inch drywall screws. Then you will apply fiber glass mesh and apply light weight mud. Sand, apply another coat. Sand. Prime then Paint using a roller.

I had this happen to me, sort of.

Hired a guy that worked at the W2 but got laid off. Putting a surround up on an existing tub. It looked awful. I called him back and asked why he did such a bad job.

His reply was that with the quality of people living in the home it really didn't matter.

We parted ways right then.

My theory and experience:

If a guy or gal is a good worker, good work ethic, shows up on time, stays all day, completes the task, cleans up, gets along with others, and does what they promised, CONTROLS THEIR ANGER...

they have a great job, great pay, and great benefits at a big company.

If they can't do those things, have a felony on record, can't pass a drug test, miss work due to hangovers...

they call themselves "contractor".

Before hiring ANYONE we check court records. It's AMAZING how many roofers, painters, etc have criminal records, and multiple small claims court lawsuits for taking money without do the work.

Taking money from homeowners is SOOOO easy! and they don't care about being sued becuase they have no assets or income to garnish.

I've had contractors actually show up to court (so they don't get picked up for Failure To Appear) and laugh at me on the way out of the hearing - "You can sue me but can't get a penny from me!"

BRAD

My theory and experience:

If a guy or gal is a good worker, good work ethic, shows up on time, stays all day, completes the task, cleans up, gets along with others, and does what they promised, CONTROLS THEIR ANGER...

they have a great job, great pay, and great benefits at a big company.

If they can't do those things, have a felony on record, can't pass a drug test, miss work due to hangovers...

they call themselves "contractor".

Before hiring ANYONE we check court records. It's AMAZING how many roofers, painters, etc have criminal records, and multiple small claims court lawsuits for taking money without do the work.

Taking money from homeowners is SOOOO easy! and they don't care about being sued becuase they have no assets or income to garnish.

I've had contractors actually show up to court (so they don't get picked up for Failure To Appear) and laugh at me on the way out of the hearing - "You can sue me but can't get a penny from me!"

BRAD

My theory and experience:

If a guy or gal is a good worker, good work ethic, shows up on time, stays all day, completes the task, cleans up, gets along with others, and does what they promised, CONTROLS THEIR ANGER...

they have a great job, great pay, and great benefits at a big company.

If they can't do those things, have a felony on record, can't pass a drug test, miss work due to hangovers...

they call themselves "contractor".

Before hiring ANYONE we check court records. It's AMAZING how many roofers, painters, etc have criminal records, and multiple small claims court lawsuits for taking money without do the work.

Taking money from homeowners is SOOOO easy! and they don't care about being sued becuase they have no assets or income to garnish.

I've had contractors actually show up to court (so they don't get picked up for Failure To Appear) and laugh at me on the way out of the hearing - "You can sue me but can't get a penny from me!"

BRAD

This also brings to mind the difference in social "classes". Ruby Payne's book teaches us that "people of limited means" have a different take on life, often used to being put down or ignored so they REACT strongly or do what I call POSTURING. (lawyers call it chest puffing).

In their world slashing your tires is how they "get you back".

BRAD

PS we've had many bi-polar residents over the years. I wish I could ask "Are you cray cray?" on the app!

Stay safe. Assume everyone is high, or has a hidden crazy streak and a gun.

Brad, that reminds me of the phrase that General James "Mad Dog" Mattis said: