Hired an Unlicensed Contractor? California Law Lets You Recover Every Dollar.

DEMAND FOR REFUND - UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR WORK PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE 7031(b) [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Contractor Name] [Contractor Address] [City, CA ZIP] Re: Demand for Full Refund - Unlicensed Contracting Work Project Address: [Property Address Where Work Was Performed] Total Amount Demanded: $[Total Amount Paid] Dear [Contractor Name]: I am writing to demand an immediate refund of all compensation paid to you for construction/contracting work performed at the above property. You performed this work without a valid California contractor's license, entitling me to a full refund under Business & Professions Code Section 7031(b). FACTS: 1. Between [Start Date] and [End Date], you performed [describe work - e.g., "bathroom remodeling," "kitchen renovation," "room addition"] at [Property Address]. 2. I paid you a total of $[Total Amount] for this work, consisting of: - [Payment 1: Amount, Date, Method (check/cash/Venmo)] - [Payment 2: Amount, Date, Method] - [Additional payments as applicable] 3. The total cost of this project exceeded $500, requiring you to hold a valid California contractor's license. 4. I have verified through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) that: [Choose the applicable situation:] [ ] You have never held a California contractor's license [ ] Your license number [Number] was expired during the work period [ ] Your license number [Number] was suspended/revoked during the work period [ ] You performed work outside your license classification [ ] You used another person's license number without authorization A printout of the CSLB license verification is attached to this letter. LEGAL BASIS FOR REFUND: California Business & Professions Code Section 7031(b) states: "Except as provided in subdivision (e), a person who utilizes the services of an unlicensed contractor may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state to recover all compensation paid to the unlicensed contractor for performance of any act or contract." Under this statute: - I am entitled to recover ALL compensation paid to you - This right exists regardless of whether the work was completed - This right exists regardless of whether the work was satisfactory - You may NOT offset my claim by arguing the work had value - Your only defense is "substantial compliance" with licensing requirements, which requires proof that you were duly licensed at all times - a defense that does not apply here DEMAND: I hereby demand payment of $[Total Amount] within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter. This represents a full refund of all compensation paid to you for unlicensed contracting work. IF WORK WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE (Optional - include if applicable): In addition to my right to a full refund, your work was defective in the following ways: [Describe defects if any] I have obtained estimates to repair/complete this work properly from licensed contractors: [Repair estimate amounts] I reserve the right to seek these additional damages beyond the refund. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE: If you do not provide the demanded refund within 30 days, I will: 1. File a civil lawsuit seeking the full refund plus attorney fees and costs 2. File a complaint with the Contractors State License Board 3. Report the unlicensed contracting to the local District Attorney's office for criminal prosecution under B&P Code 7028 (misdemeanor - up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine) Please make payment by certified check payable to [Your Name] and mail to the address above, or contact me at [Phone/Email] to arrange payment. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - CSLB License Lookup printout showing unlicensed status - Copy of contract or written agreement (if any) - Copies of payment records (canceled checks, receipts, bank statements) - Photographs of work performed - Communications with contractor (texts, emails) - Permit records (if applicable)