Hire a Lawyer for Your California Contractor Deposit Matter
An attorney demand letter on Bar letterhead, citing Bus. & Prof. Code section 7159 and the license-bond claim mechanics, typically gets unlicensed or non-performing contractors to refund deposits before I file with CSLB or the bond surety.
- On my CA Bar letterhead (CA Bar #279869)
- USPS certified mail + signature requested + email
- Cites the controlling California statute with response deadline
- One target, one matter
- Everything in the $575 package
- Plus a court-ready draft complaint attached as an exhibit
- Other side sees the lawsuit is already drafted
Free AI legal tools (Opus-powered)
Contractor Deposit Calculators
Calculate legal deposit limits, excess deposits, and work completion value
Illegal Deposit Calculator
Calculate if contractor took more than legally allowed (10% or $1,000)
Work Completion Calculator
Calculate how much you've overpaid vs. work completed
License Requirement Checker
Determine if work required a licensed contractor
Unlicensed Contractor Damages
Calculate enhanced damages for unlicensed contractors
Verify Contractor License
Look up any California contractor's license status with CSLB
Official CSLB License Lookup
Use the official California Contractors State License Board website to verify any contractor's license status, bond, and insurance.
Check License on CSLB WebsiteWhat to Check
- License number and status (Active/Inactive)
- License classification (type of work allowed)
- Bond status and amount
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Complaint history
- Business name and address
Red Flags
- License is "Inactive" or "Expired"
- License classification doesn't match work
- No workers' comp (for employees)
- Multiple complaints on file
- Bond is canceled or insufficient
- Name doesn't match contractor
Contractor Dispute Response Generator
Generate professional responses for contractor disputes
Select your situation:
Contractor took more than 10% or $1,000 deposit
Contractor worked without required license
Contractor stopped work and won't return
Work is substandard or not to code
Contractor threatening to file lien on your property
File complaint with Contractors State License Board
Enter your details:
Contractor Demand Letters
Generate formal demand letters for contractor disputes
Your California Contractor Rights
Key protections under California Business & Professions Code
B&P Code 7159 - Deposits
- Max deposit: 10% of contract OR $1,000 (whichever is less)
- Swimming pools: 2% or $200 max
- Cannot demand full payment upfront
- Progress payments tied to work completed
- Violations are criminal misdemeanor
B&P Code 7031 - Licensing
- License required for work over $500
- Unlicensed contractor cannot sue for payment
- You can recover ALL payments made
- No offset for work completed
- May recover attorney fees
Enhanced Damages
- Unlicensed: Full refund of payments
- Elder abuse: Up to 3x damages
- CLRA violations: Statutory damages
- Fraud: Punitive damages available
- Small claims: Up to $12,500
Need Help Recovering Your Money?
Our California construction attorneys can evaluate your case for free. We handle contractor disputes on contingency.
Schedule Consultation ($125)