What is the CSLB?
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is a California state agency that regulates the construction industry to protect consumers from incompetent, dishonest, and unscrupulous contractors.
CSLB's Primary Functions
License Contractors
Issues and renews licenses for over 280,000 active contractors in California.
Investigate Complaints
Receives approximately 20,000 complaints annually from consumers.
Discipline Violators
Can suspend, revoke, or place conditions on contractor licenses.
Help Recover Money
Facilitates mediation, arbitration, and bond claims to help consumers recover losses.
Types of Contractor Licenses
| License Class | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | General Engineering | Irrigation, sewage, streets, highways |
| Class B | General Building | Residential, commercial buildings, remodels |
| Class C | Specialty (43 types) | C-10 Electrical, C-20 HVAC, C-36 Plumbing, C-39 Roofing |
When to File a CSLB Complaint
Filing a CSLB complaint is appropriate when a contractor has violated state contractor laws. Here are the most common grounds for complaints:
Person performed work valued at $500+ without a valid contractor's license
Contractor started work, took payment, and disappeared without completing the job
Work doesn't meet building codes, industry standards, or contract specifications
Contractor violated written agreement terms including scope, timeline, or materials
Contractor lied about license status, insurance, experience, or qualifications
You've received preliminary notices or mechanic's lien threats because contractor didn't pay
Contractor demanded more than $1,000 or 10% of contract price upfront (whichever is less)
Contractor failed to pull required permits or performed work beyond permit scope
When CSLB May NOT Be the Right Option
- Pure contract disputes - Disagreements about interpretation without law violations
- Design disagreements - You don't like the aesthetic result but work meets specs
- Price disputes - You think you were overcharged but agreed to the price in writing
- Personality conflicts - Contractor was rude but performed satisfactory work
Unlicensed Contractor Recovery
California provides powerful protections for consumers who hire unlicensed contractors. Under Business & Professions Code Section 7031, you may be entitled to a full refund of all money paid.
(a) An unlicensed contractor cannot sue you to collect payment for work performed. Courts will dismiss their case.
(b) You can sue to recover ALL money paid to an unlicensed contractor - even for satisfactory work. This applies to the entire contract amount.
Your Rights Against Unlicensed Contractors
They Cannot Sue You
An unlicensed contractor cannot file a lawsuit to collect payment, even if they completed excellent work.
Full Refund Available
You can recover ALL money paid - not just damages, but the entire amount you paid them.
No Mechanic's Lien
Unlicensed contractors cannot place a valid mechanic's lien on your property.
Criminal Penalties
Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor with fines up to $15,000 and possible jail time.
How to Prove Contractor Was Unlicensed
Search by name, license number, or business name to confirm no valid license
Document the search results showing "no license found" or expired/revoked status
For court, you can request a certified letter from CSLB confirming no license existed
Demand full refund citing B&P Code 7031(b) - many will pay to avoid court
Contractor License Lookup
Before hiring a contractor - or before filing a complaint - verify their license status using CSLB's free online lookup tool.
Search by contractor name, license number, or business name to verify:
- License status (active, expired, suspended, revoked)
- License classification(s) held
- Workers' compensation insurance status
- Bond information
- Complaint and disciplinary history
What to Verify Before Hiring
| Field to Check | What It Means | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| License Status | Current standing with CSLB | Expired, Suspended, Revoked, Inactive |
| Classification | Types of work authorized | Doesn't match your project type |
| Workers' Comp | Employee injury insurance | "Exempt" but has employees on site |
| Contractor Bond | $25,000 surety bond required | No bond on file |
| Disciplinary History | Past violations and penalties | Multiple citations, suspensions |
How to File a CSLB Complaint
Filing a CSLB complaint is free and can be done online, by mail, or by phone. Here's how to file an effective complaint.
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
- Written contract and any change orders
- All payment records (checks, receipts, credit card statements)
- Photos of defective or incomplete work (before, during, after)
- Communications with contractor (emails, texts, letters)
- Building permits and inspection reports
- Estimates from other contractors to repair work
- Demand letter you sent and contractor's response (if any)
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method
By Mail
Download form and mail with documents
CSLB, P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
By Phone
Call to file verbally or request forms
(800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Step 3: What to Include in Your Complaint
- Your contact information
- Contractor's name, license number (if known), and contact info
- Project address and description
- Contract amount and amounts paid
- Detailed description of the problem
- Timeline of events
- What resolution you're seeking
What Happens After You File
Understanding the process helps manage expectations. Here's what happens after you submit your complaint.
CSLB Free Arbitration Program
CSLB offers a voluntary arbitration program that can help you recover money faster and cheaper than going to court.
How CSLB Arbitration Works
After investigating your complaint, CSLB may offer arbitration as an option
Arbitration is voluntary - both you and the contractor must consent to participate
A trained arbitrator with construction expertise is assigned to your case
Both sides present their case - usually takes 1-2 hours
Arbitrator issues a final, binding decision within 10 days of hearing
Arbitration vs. Small Claims Court
| Factor | CSLB Arbitration | Small Claims Court |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $30-$100 filing fee |
| Claim Limit | Up to $15,000 | Up to $12,500 |
| Timeline | 60-90 days | 30-70 days to hearing |
| Decision Maker | Construction expert | Judge or commissioner |
| Appeals | Very limited | Defendant can appeal |
| Contractor Must Agree | Yes | No (mandatory) |
If CSLB Can't Help: Other Options
CSLB is just one avenue for resolving contractor disputes. You may need to pursue other options, often simultaneously.
Small Claims Court
Sue for up to $12,500 (individuals). No attorneys allowed, low fees ($30-100), quick resolution.
- You represent yourself
- Hearing in 30-70 days
- Judge issues binding decision
Civil Lawsuit
For claims over $12,500 or complex cases. May need attorney representation.
- No damage limits
- Discovery process available
- Can seek attorney fees
Bond Claims
Claim against contractor's $25,000 surety bond for financial losses.
- Contact surety company directly
- Submit claim with documentation
- Decision in 30-90 days
Mechanic's Lien Defense
If contractor or subcontractor filed a lien on your property.
- Challenge improper liens
- File petition to release
- Recover attorney fees if lien invalid
Which Option is Best?
| Your Situation | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Damages under $12,500 | File CSLB complaint + bond claim + small claims court (all 3) |
| Damages $12,500-$25,000 | File CSLB complaint + bond claim (may cover full amount) |
| Damages over $25,000 | Consult attorney + CSLB complaint + bond claim + civil lawsuit |
| Unlicensed contractor | Sue for full refund under B&P 7031 + CSLB complaint (no bond available) |
Timeline Expectations
CSLB Complaint Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Complaint acknowledgment | 7-14 days |
| Initial review and assignment | 2-4 weeks |
| Investigation (simple cases) | 2-4 months |
| Investigation (complex cases) | 6-12 months |
| Arbitration (if offered) | 60-90 days from agreement |
| Formal disciplinary action | 12-18 months from complaint |
Bond Claim Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Claim acknowledgment | 7-14 days |
| Surety investigation | 30-60 days |
| Claim decision | 30-90 days from submission |
| Payment (if approved) | 30 days from approval |
Statute of Limitations
- CSLB complaint: 4 years from incident or discovery
- Bond claim: 4 years from completion or cessation of work
- Written contract lawsuit: 4 years
- Oral contract lawsuit: 2 years
- Fraud: 3 years from discovery
- Construction defect: Up to 10 years for latent defects
Tips for Success
Before You File
- Send a demand letter first - Many disputes resolve when contractor receives formal written demand
- Document everything - Photos, videos, written communications, receipts
- Get repair estimates - Written quotes from other contractors strengthen your case
- Verify license status - Run CSLB lookup and save the results
When Filing
- Be specific and factual - Stick to facts, avoid emotional language
- Include a timeline - Chronological summary of events helps investigators
- Organize your documents - Label and arrange evidence logically
- State what you want - Clearly explain the resolution you're seeking
During Investigation
- Respond promptly - Answer investigator requests quickly
- Stay professional - Cooperate fully and maintain calm demeanor
- Keep records - Document all interactions with CSLB
- Pursue parallel remedies - Don't wait on CSLB alone