How to File a CSLB Complaint Against a Contractor in California | Expert Guide

Sometimes even careful hiring decisions lead to problems. If a contractor has abandoned your project, performed substandard work, overcharged you, or otherwise failed to meet their obligations, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) can help. Filing a CSLB complaint is free and can result in resolution of your dispute, financial recovery, and disciplinary action against the contractor.

This guide walks you through the entire complaint process — when to file, how to file, what documentation to gather, and what to expect after filing.

When Should You File a CSLB Complaint?

The CSLB handles complaints involving:

**Abandonment** — The contractor stopped work and won't return or communicate
**Substandard work** — The work doesn't meet building codes or industry standards
**Contract violations** — The contractor didn't follow the terms of your written agreement
**Unlicensed activity** — Someone performed work requiring a license without having one
**Financial disputes** — Overcharges, demand for excessive deposits, or failure to pay subcontractors/suppliers
**Permit violations** — Failure to obtain required permits or schedule inspections
**Deception** — Misrepresentation of license status, qualifications, or insurance

**Important timelines:**

You should file within **4 years** of the completion of the project (or the date you discovered the issue)
For latent defects (hidden issues that emerge later), you may have up to **10 years** from completion
The sooner you file, the better — evidence is fresher, and the CSLB can intervene more effectively

Before Filing: Try to Resolve Directly

Before filing a formal complaint, make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue directly with the contractor:

1. Put your concerns in writing — Send a detailed letter or email describing the problem, referencing specific contract terms, and stating what resolution you expect 2. Set a reasonable deadline — Give the contractor 10-14 days to respond and begin corrective action 3. Keep records — Save all communications, take photos, and document everything 4. Be professional — Angry emails rarely produce good results. State facts and desired outcomes.

If direct resolution fails (or the contractor is unresponsive), it's time to file with the CSLB.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before starting the complaint, collect:

**Essential documents:**

Written contract (if you have one)
All change orders
Payment records (checks, receipts, bank statements, credit card records)
Copies of all written communications (emails, texts, letters)
Photos/videos of the work (both during and after)
Photos showing defects or incomplete work
Building permits and inspection records
Business cards, flyers, or advertisements from the contractor

**Helpful additional evidence:**

Independent estimates for repair/completion from other licensed contractors
Expert opinions on the quality of work
Timeline of events
Names and contact information for witnesses
Records of permit violations or failed inspections

Step 2: File the Complaint

You can file a CSLB complaint in three ways:

Online (Recommended) Visit the CSLB complaint filing page at cslb.ca.gov and follow the online form. This is the fastest method and allows you to upload supporting documents electronically.

By Mail Download the complaint form from cslb.ca.gov and mail it with copies of supporting documents to:

CSLB Intake and Mediation Center P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95826

By Phone Call the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) to initiate a complaint. They can guide you through the process and mail you the forms.

What to Include in Your Complaint

Be thorough and factual:

Contractor's name, license number, and contact information
Your name and contact information
Date the contract was signed
Total contract amount and amount paid to date
Detailed description of the problem
What resolution you're seeking
Supporting documentation
Names of witnesses

Step 3: The Investigation Process

After you file, here's what happens:

Initial Review (1-2 weeks) The CSLB reviews your complaint to determine if it falls within their jurisdiction. Not all complaints qualify — pure price disputes, personality conflicts, or issues outside the contractor's licensed scope may not be actionable.

Assignment to Investigator (2-4 weeks) If your complaint qualifies, it's assigned to a CSLB investigator. The investigator will contact you for additional information and may schedule an on-site inspection.

Investigation (1-6 months) The investigator will: - Interview you and review your documentation - Contact the contractor for their response - Inspect the work site (if applicable) - Consult with experts (for technical quality disputes) - Evaluate the evidence

Mediation Attempt The CSLB may attempt to mediate between you and the contractor before taking formal action. Many complaints are resolved through mediation, with the contractor agreeing to: - Complete unfinished work - Repair defective work - Provide financial reimbursement - Combination of the above

Formal Action If mediation fails or the violation is severe, the CSLB can take formal action: - Citation — A formal notice of violation, often with a fine - Order of Correction — Requiring the contractor to fix the problem - License Suspension — Temporarily revoking the contractor's right to work - License Revocation — Permanently revoking the license - Criminal Prosecution — For serious fraud or unlicensed activity

What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes

The CSLB resolves thousands of complaints annually, but it's important to have realistic expectations:

**The CSLB can:**

Investigate and take disciplinary action
Facilitate mediation and resolution
Order contractors to correct work
Suspend or revoke licenses
Help you access the contractor's bond
Refer criminal cases to prosecutors

**The CSLB cannot:**

Award monetary damages (that requires court action)
Force a contractor to pay you
Represent you in court
Guarantee a specific outcome
Resolve disputes where the contractor is unlicensed (but they can prosecute the unlicensed activity)

Filing a Bond Claim

Separately from the CSLB complaint, you may be able to file a claim against the contractor's $25,000 surety bond. Contact the surety company listed on the CSLB website and file a written claim with documentation of your losses.

When to Consider Legal Action

If the CSLB process doesn't fully resolve your issue, consider:

**Small Claims Court** — For claims up to $10,000 ($5,000 for businesses). No attorney needed. Fast and inexpensive.
**Civil Court** — For larger claims. Attorney recommended. More expensive and time-consuming.
**Attorney Consultation** — Many construction attorneys offer free initial consultations. They can assess your case and advise on the best path forward.

Tips for a Successful Complaint

1. Be organized — Present your documentation clearly and chronologically 2. Be factual — Stick to facts, not emotions. "The contractor didn't show up for 3 weeks" is better than "The contractor doesn't care about customers." 3. Be specific — Detail exact dates, amounts, and what was or wasn't done 4. Respond promptly — When the investigator contacts you, respond quickly with requested information 5. Be patient — The investigation process takes time. Follow up regularly but allow the process to work. 6. Keep records — Continue documenting everything throughout the complaint process

Reporting Unlicensed Contractors

If someone performed contracting work without a license (for projects over $500), you can report this to the CSLB even if you're not the homeowner. Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor in California.

The CSLB also conducts undercover sting operations targeting unlicensed contractors and welcomes tips about unlicensed activity in your area.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best way to avoid needing the CSLB complaint process is thorough vetting before hiring. Always verify licenses, check insurance, get written contracts, and follow our hiring checklist before signing any agreement.