Using an uninsured/unlicensed handyman

[Matt Liu]

Is it really that bad to use an unlicensed/uninsured handyman for work on my rental property if I have good insurance?

My property manager is giving me grief because I am trying to hire cheaper guys for things that come up. They're saying that it puts their broker's license at risk. Is this really true if I am the one who hire the handyman?

It's frustrating because I know the PM would rather use their own guys which ends up costing me twice as much!

[Steve Babiak]

Unless you have workers comp coverage like @Rob K. mentioned, your insurance WON'T cover you for any injuries that happen to any worker you hire to do a job. If the worker has liability insurance only, that still does not cover the worker for injuries on the job. Only workers comp covers injuries on the job. You can try to use a waiver form for the worker if the worker is a sole proprietor, but there are no guarantees that when injured the worker will not file a claim / lawsuit against you.