2994                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 638

[(b)] (A) Every home-improvement contract subject to the
provisions of this section shall be evidenced by a written
agreement and shall be signed by the parties thereto. The
writing shall contain: (1) The name, address, and license number
of the contractor, and the names and license numbers of the
salesmen who solicited or negotiated the contract; (2) the
approximate dates when the work will begin and be substantially
completed; (3) a description of the work to be done and materials
to be used; (4) the agreed consideration for the work; (5) the
number of monthly payments and the amount of each monthly payment
stated as a sum in dollars which shall include all finance
charges; (6) [a limitation of any deposit at the time of
execution of the contract to not more than 33 percent of the
contract price; (7)] a description of any collateral security
taken or to be taken for the owner's obligation under the
contract; and [(8)] (7) a notice that all home improvement
contractors and subcontractors must be licensed by the Home
Improvement Commission[. Inquiries] AND THAT ALL INQUIRIES
about a contractor should be transmitted to the Home Improvement

Commission, telephone:................ The writing may also

contain other matters upon which the parties lawfully agree.

[(c)] (B) The writing shall be legible and shall be in such
form as to clearly describe any other document which is to be
incorporated. Before any work begins the owner shall be
furnished a copy of the written agreement, signed by the
contractor.

[(d)] (C) No salesman or other agent or employee of the
contractor shall be authorized to make any changes in the
agreement on behalf of the owner.

(D) CONTRACTS WHICH FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE INVALID SOLELY BECAUSE OF
NONCOMPLIANCE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1985.

Approved May 28, 1985.

CHAPTER 639

(House Bill 642)

AN ACT concerning

Vehicle Laws - Wholesale Dealers - License

FOR the purpose of altering the definition of the term "dealer"
to include a person who is in the business of buying,