Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not define what makes a fee amount 'reasonable'.
Equal Attorney Fees in Home Repair Contracts
This law says that if a home repair contract allows one side to get paid for lawyer fees, the same rule must apply to all sides.
What This Bill Does
- Adds Section 31 to the Home Repair and Remodeling Act.
- Says that if a contract lets any party get attorney's fees, it counts as letting all parties get reasonable attorney's fees.
- Applies only to home repair and remodeling contracts signed on or after August 1, 2025.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who sign home repair or remodeling contracts in Illinois.
- Businesses that do home repairs or remodeling under these contracts.
Terms To Know
- Attorney's fees
- Money paid to a lawyer for their work, which the law says can be awarded if allowed by the contract.
- Home Repair and Remodeling Act
- The Illinois state law that sets rules for home repair contracts.
Limits and Unknowns
- This rule does not apply to contracts signed before August 1, 2025.
- The text says fees must be 'reasonable' but does not explain how much is reasonable.
- The law only covers contracts that are part of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act.