Filing a Construction Complaint

    CSLB addresses violations of California Contractors License Law, whether the contractor is licensed or unlicensed, for up to four years from the date of the act. CSLB is a regulatory board with authority to investigate and take administrative disciplinary action against licensed and unlicensed persons and entities for violations of Contractors State License Law.

    The primary purpose and highest priority for CSLB is the protection of the public. The purpose of a CSLB investigation is not to obtain restitution, and a CSLB investigation does not guarantee complainants will receive restitution. Consumers whose primary goal is to recover financial restitution from a contractor should consider pursuing damages through the courts.

    CSLB will ask if you have formally notified your contractor of your concerns with the project. Here is a useful publication with additional details and a sample letter. You should save a copy of the letter to submit with your complaint.

    For matters involving limited damages, a small claims guide is available at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752); see also www.courts.ca.gov/1256.htm. For matters involving greater damages, an attorney should be consulted. CSLB has the authority, with sufficient proof, to suspend the license of any contractor who fails to satisfy final judgments that are substantially related to construction activities.

    How the Complaint Process Works

    This section is an overview about how CSLB addresses complaints and the procedures that are followed.

    Licensed and Unlicensed Project Complaints

    Use this form if you are a homeowner, other contractor, subcontractor, or employee who wants to file a complaint against a contractor. Public agencies also may file complaints using this form.

    Complaint form (PDF | ORDER | ONLINE)

    Solar Complaint Form (PDF-English | PDF-Spanish | ONLINE)

    Unlicensed and Licensed Contractor Projects - Active

    Use this form to file a complaint for ACTIVE projects being undertaken by both unlicensed and licensed contractors. Please submit this form only if you know the job site address. If you are party to a contract on an active project, please use the Complaint form above.

    Lead Referral form (PDF | ONLINE)

    Advertising Complaints

    Use this form to report an unlicensed contractor who is advertising illegally.

    Advertising Complaint form (PDF-English | PDF-Spanish)

    Building Permit Complaints

    This form is to be used to report any contractor who fails to pull a project building permit for construction activity.

    Building Permit Violation Referral form (PDF-English | PDF-Spanish | ONLINE)

    Alternate Dispute Resolution

    This section provides information on alternate dispute resolution resources.