Why is Brighte asking for this now?
As part of our regular program assurance and our obligations to the NSW Government, we're confirming that every accredited vendor holds the licence required under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW). Any business that contracts for residential building work — including solar, battery, hot water, heat pump and air conditioning installations — must hold a NSW contractor licence at the business level. Where we couldn't match a licence to your business on the NSW register, we've asked you to confirm it.
I hold a current licence — why couldn't you find it?
There are two common reasons.
First, a name or entity mismatch: the NSW register returns no result if a company is searched the wrong way, or if the licence is held under a different name from the one accredited with us. Check your listing at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au and reply with your licence number — in most cases that resolves it quickly.
Second — the licence you hold may be an individual tradesperson licence or qualified supervisor certificate, not a contractor licence held by your business. Those are different things: an individual licence lets a person carry out the work, but it doesn't authorise your business to contract for it. If your business doesn't hold its own contractor licence, you'll need to apply.
Which licence counts?
The licence must be held by the same legal entity that signs your customer contracts:
Company — the licence must be held by the company accredited with us (matched to your ACN). A different trading name of the same company is fine, but the contract must name the licensed company.
Sole trader — a contractor licence in your own legal name, with customer contracts issued in that same name.
Partnership — a contractor licence issued to the partnership.
Trust — the licence must be held by the trustee: the entity or person who signs your customer contracts.
A licence held by a separate company doesn't cover you, even if the two are related — unless that licensed company is the one actually contracting with the customer.
My installers are all individually licensed — isn't that enough?
No. Individual tradesperson licences and qualified supervisor certificates authorise a person to carry out the work. The business that contracts for the work needs its own contractor licence. Both are required.
I only sell — a licensed installer does the work. Do I still need one?
Yes. The Home Building Act captures any business that contracts, subcontracts or advertises to carry out this work. If your business signs the contract with the homeowner, it needs the contractor licence, regardless of who performs the installation.
I hold an interstate licence — does that work in NSW?
Not for electrical work. NSW has not adopted automatic mutual recognition for electrical contractor licences, so an interstate licence doesn't cover solar, battery or other electrical work in NSW — you'll need a NSW licence. If your work is plumbing or air conditioning only, contact Service NSW to confirm your position, and let us know the outcome.
What happens to my loans in progress?
We can't settle loans while your licence is unverified. For applications in progress, we need both your licence and the customer contract before settlement. Once verified, settlements resume.
If installation hasn't started, don't commence work until we've confirmed your licence.
What needs to be on my customer contract?
NSW law requires every home building contract over $5,000 to show the name of the licence holder — exactly as it appears on the licence — and the licence number, along with other required terms. Please check the NSW guide to home building contracts for all requirements.
What about my settled loans?
Your settled loans continue as normal. Our request relates to confirming your licence for continued participation in the program.
Can I keep quoting new customers?
New customer referrals through the program are paused while your licence is unverified, and resume once it's confirmed.
I don't have a contractor licence. What do I do?
Apply through NSW Fair Trading. Processing typically takes several weeks or more, so apply as soon as possible and let us know you've done so. While you're unlicensed, referrals and settlements remain on hold.
What happens if I don't respond by 31 July?
If we haven't been able to confirm your licence by 31 July and can't resolve it with you, we'll need to withdraw your accreditation on the program. If you're mid-application or need help, reply to the email — talking to us is always better than silence.
Who do I contact?
Reply to the verification email, or contact enterprise@brighte.com.au
This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your licensing obligations with Building Commission NSW.