If he is not clear with where to look have him look at 7b #1 on your building permit application which states:An Owner who obtains a building permit to do his/her own work, or an owner who hires an unregistered contractor (not registered in the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Program), will not have access to the arbitration program or guaranty fund under M.G.L. c. 142ASo you can pull a homeowners permit.

The tenant sued for $2 million and got $70,000 in arbitration.

Another thing I have done is paid a lawyer to add an arbitration clause to the lease (except in cases of eviction, obviously).

Then, if you disagree, you can go to arbitration and pay even more.