📋 What is Подрядчик Abandonment?

Подрядчик abandonment occurs when a licensed or unlicensed подрядчик stops work on your project before completion without legitimate cause. Under California law, this constitutes a serious нарушение that may entitle you to significant убытки, including treble (3x) убытки in some cases, plus взыскание through the подрядчик's license bond.

When This Guide Applies

This guide applies if your подрядчик has:

❌ Stopped Work Without Notice

Подрядчик ceased work suddenly without explanation or prior warning

🚫 Refused to Return

Подрядчик will not respond to calls, texts, or emails about resuming work

💰 Took Money and Left

Подрядчик collected payment (especially excessive down payment) then disappeared

⚠ Left Project Incomplete

Work is partially done with materials on-site, permits open, or subподрядчикs unpaid

California's Strong Домовладелец Protections

California provides robust protections for домовладелецs dealing with подрядчик abandonment:

📚 Подрядчикs State License Law (B&P Code 7000-7191)

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California's comprehensive licensing law requires подрядчикs to be licensed for any project over $500. Abandonment without legal excuse is grounds for license discipline. Key provisions include:

  • B&P Code 7107: Abandonment of a construction project is a cause for disciplinary action
  • B&P Code 7113: Failure to complete a project for the price stated in the contract is a нарушение
  • B&P Code 7159: Requires specific contract terms including project description, timeline, and payment schedule

💰 Treble Убытки for Contract Нарушениеs (B&P Code 7160)

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California B&P Code Section 7160 provides for treble (triple) убытки when a подрядчик willfully violates the contract requirements of Section 7159. This powerful remedy can triple your взыскание when the подрядчик:

  • Failed to include required contract terms
  • Collected excessive down payment (over 10% or $1,000, whichever is less)
  • Made false statements about the scope of work
  • Willfully departed from contract specifications

Treble убытки are available в дополнение к actual убытки and адвокат fees.

🔒 Подрядчик License Bond (B&P Code 7071.5-7071.11)

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Every licensed California подрядчик must maintain a $25,000 подрядчик's license bond. This bond can be claimed by домовладелецs who suffer убытки due to подрядчик нарушениеs. Key points:

  • Minimum bond amount is $25,000 (higher for some license classifications)
  • вы можете подать a требование directly with the bonding company
  • Bond claims are independent of CSLB исковое заявлениеs and civil lawsuits
  • Multiple claimants may share the bond if it's insufficient

🏗 Mechanics Lien Protections (гражданский кодекс 8800-8848)

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California's mechanics lien laws protect you from paying twice. If your подрядчик abandons the project and has unpaid subподрядчикs or suppliers:

  • Subподрядчикs and suppliers may file liens against your property
  • Joint check provisions protect you from paying twice (CC 8800)
  • Preliminary notices give you early warning of potential lien claims
  • You can withhold payment until lien releases are provided (CC 8132-8138)

⚠ Unlicensed Подрядчик = Additional Нарушениеs

If your подрядчик was unlicensed (or let their license lapse), they have committed a criminal misdemeanor under B&P Code 7028. Unlicensed подрядчикs:

  • Cannot enforce the contract against you or place liens on your property
  • May owe you a full возврат of all money paid (трудовой кодекс 2810.5)
  • Can be reported to the CSLB for prosecution
  • Face fines up to $15,000 per нарушение plus jail time

📄 CSLB Remedies

The Подрядчикs State License Board (CSLB) is your first line of defense against an abandoning подрядчик. Filing a исковое заявление can result in license suspension, restitution orders, and criminal prosecution.

What the CSLB Can Do

🔒 License Suspension/Revocation

The CSLB can suspend or revoke the подрядчик's license, preventing them from legally working in California

💰 Order Restitution

The CSLB can order the подрядчик to pay you restitution as a condition of keeping or regaining their license

🔓 Criminal Prosecution

For egregious нарушениеs, the CSLB can refer the case for criminal prosecution (misdemeanor or felony)

📋 Formal Disciplinary Action

Public record of discipline deters future customers and hurts the подрядчик's business

How to File a CSLB Исковое Заявление

  1. Verify the Подрядчик's License

    Use the CSLB license lookup at cslb.ca.gov to verify license status, bond information, and исковое заявление history.

  2. Complete the Исковое Заявление Form

    Скачать Form 7-19 from the CSLB website or call 800-321-CSLB (2752) to request a form. Include all details of the abandonment.

  3. Attach Supporting Documents

    Include copies (not originals) of your contract, permits, payments, photos of incomplete work, and all communications with the подрядчик.

  4. Отправить Your Исковое Заявление

    Mail or submit online. The CSLB will assign an investigator who will contact both parties.

👍 CSLB Исковое Заявление Advantages

  • Free to file - no cost to you
  • CSLB investigator does the legwork
  • Creates official record of the нарушение
  • Can lead to restitution without going to суд
  • Pressure on подрядчик who wants to keep license

⚠ CSLB Limitations

The CSLB is not a суд and cannot order payment. If the подрядчик ignores restitution orders, you will still need to sue or file a bond требование. CSLB исковое заявлениеs can take 6-12 months to resolve. File your исковое заявление AND pursue other remedies simultaneously.

💰 Подрядчик Bond Claims

Every licensed California подрядчик must maintain a $25,000 license bond. This bond is your direct path to взыскание when a подрядчик abandons your project.

How Подрядчик Bonds Work

The подрядчик's license bond is a form of страхование that protects consumers. When a подрядчик violates the license law (including abandonment), вы можете подать a требование directly with the bonding company. Key facts:

💰 Minimum $25,000

All подрядчикs must maintain at least a $25,000 bond. Some specialty licenses require higher amounts.

📄 Direct Требование to Surety

You file your требование directly with the bonding company (surety) - not with the CSLB or суд.

⏲ 2-Year Time Limit

Bond claims must be filed within 2 года of the нарушение or 1 год of project completion.

👥 Shared if Multiple Claims

If total claims exceed the bond amount, claimants share proportionally based on their убытки.

Steps to File a Bond Требование

  1. Get Bond Information from CSLB

    Look up the подрядчик's license at cslb.ca.gov. The license detail page shows the bonding company name, bond number, and effective dates.

  2. Отправить Written Demand to Подрядчик

    Before filing a bond требование, send a formal требование to the подрядчик (use our sample language below). Keep proof of delivery.

  3. Контакт the Bonding Company

    Call or write the surety company listed on the license. Request their требование form and submission requirements.

  4. Отправить Your Требование Package

    Include your completed требование form, copy of the contract, proof of payments, photos of incomplete work, timeline of events, and требование sent to подрядчик.

  5. Negotiate or Litigate

    The bonding company will investigate and may offer a мировое соглашение. If denied, you can sue the bonding company directly.

💡 Bond Требование vs. Судебный Иск

A bond требование and civil судебный иск are independent remedies. You can pursue both simultaneously. If your убытки exceed $25,000, you'll need to sue the подрядчик personally to recover the full amount. The bond требование gives you access to guaranteed funds while the судебный иск proceeds.

What Makes a Strong Bond Требование

  • Clear contract нарушение: Abandonment, excessive down payment, unlicensed work
  • Documented убытки: Receipts, estimates, photos showing cost to complete
  • Timeline showing abandonment: Last date on site, unanswered communications
  • Доказательства of payment: Cancelled checks, credit card statements, receipts

📊 Рассчитайте Свои Убытки

California law allows you to recover all убытки proximately caused by подрядчик abandonment. When treble убытки apply (B&P Code 7160), your взыскание can be tripled.

Damage Type Описание
Cost to Complete The cost of hiring a replacement подрядчик to finish the work, minus any amount unpaid on the original contract. Get at least 2-3 written estimates from licensed подрядчикs.
Correction/Ремонт Costs Cost to fix дефектный or code-violating work done by the abandoning подрядчик before the new подрядчик can proceed.
Delay Убытки Additional costs caused by the delay: extended rental housing, storage costs, additional permits/инспекцияs, seasonal price increases.
Storage Costs Cost to store materials, furniture, or personal property that cannot be used due to the incomplete project.
Lost Rental Income If the project was for a rental property, lost rent during the delay period.
Subподрядчик/Supplier Claims Money you may owe to subподрядчикs or suppliers not paid by the abandoning подрядчик (to avoid liens).
Permit Fees Additional permit fees, re-инспекция fees, or expired permit renewal costs caused by the abandonment.

Treble Убытки Under B&P Code 7160

If the подрядчик committed willful нарушениеs of B&P Code 7159 (contract requirements), вы можете взыскать THREE TIMES your actual убытки. Нарушениеs triggering treble убытки include:

❌ Excessive Down Payment

Collecting more than $1,000 or 10% of contract price as down payment (whichever is less)

❌ Missing Contract Terms

Contract missing required elements: license number, start/completion dates, cancellation notice

❌ False Statements

False representations about license status, страхование, or work to be performed

❌ Willful Departure

Willfully departing from contract specifications or plans without consent

📊 Пример Расчёта Убытков

Example: Kitchen Renovation Abandonment

Original contract price $45,000
Amount paid to abandoning подрядчик $27,000
Remaining on original contract $18,000
Cost to complete (per estimates) $38,000
Direct убытки (38K - 18K) $20,000
Fix дефектный electrical work $4,200
3 months alternative housing ($2,500/mo) $7,500
Storage unit for kitchen appliances $900
Additional permit/инспекция fees $850
фактический ущерб SUBTOTAL $33,450
Treble убытки (if 7160 applies: x3) $100,350
MAXIMUM POTENTIAL RECOVERY $100,350

⚠ Document Everything

Courts require reasonable certainty in proving убытки. You must prove each element with documentation:

  • Written estimates from at least 2-3 licensed подрядчикs
  • Photos and video of incomplete/дефектный work
  • Receipts for alternative housing, storage, and other costs
  • Timeline with dates of all key events

✅ Контрольный Список Доказательств

Gather these documents before sending your требование or filing claims. Click to check off items as you collect them.

📄 Документы по Договору

  • ✓ Original signed contract (all pages)
  • ✓ Change orders and addendums
  • ✓ Plans, blueprints, specifications
  • ✓ Permit applications and approvals

💰 Payment Records

  • ✓ All cancelled checks / bank statements
  • ✓ Credit card statements for payments
  • ✓ Receipts and invoices from подрядчик
  • ✓ Lien releases (if any provided)

📷 Photo/Video Доказательства

  • ✓ Before photos (pre-construction)
  • ✓ Progress photos during work
  • ✓ Photos showing abandonment state
  • ✓ Дефектный work / code нарушениеs

📩 Коммуникации

  • ✓ All text messages with подрядчик
  • ✓ Email correspondence (complete chain)
  • ✓ Voicemails (save recordings)
  • ✓ Notes of phone conversations with dates

📋 License Verification

  • ✓ CSLB license lookup printout
  • ✓ Bond company name and number
  • ✓ Workers comp страхование status
  • ✓ Prior исковое заявлениеs on license

📊 Убытки Documentation

  • ✓ 2-3 written estimates to complete work
  • ✓ Alternative housing receipts
  • ✓ Storage unit invoices
  • ✓ Additional permit/инспекция fees

💡 Pro Tip: Create a Timeline

Create a written timeline of all key events with exact dates: contract signing, payments made, work milestones, last day on site, attempts to contact подрядчик, and date you realized they abandoned. This timeline is essential for your требование, CSLB исковое заявление, and any судебный процесс.

📝 Образец Текста Требования

Копировать and customize these paragraphs for your подрядчик abandonment требование.

Opening Paragraph - Formal Notice
RE: FORMAL ТРЕБОВАНИЕ FOR DAMAGES - CONTRACT ABANDONMENT

Dear [CONTRACTOR NAME],

This letter constitutes formal notice that you have abandoned the construction project at [PROPERTY ADDRESS] in нарушение of California кодекс о бизнесе и профессиях Sections 7107 and 7113. You have failed to return to the job site since [LAST DATE ON SITE] and have failed to respond to multiple attempts to contact you regarding completion of the project. I hereby demand immediate payment of убытки as set forth below.
Contract Background
On [CONTRACT DATE], the parties entered into a written home improvement contract (California Подрядчик's License Нет. [LICENSE NUMBER]) for [DESCRIPTION OF WORK] at a total contract price of $[CONTRACT AMOUNT]. The contract specified a completion date of [COMPLETION DATE]. I have made payments totaling $[TOTAL PAID], representing [PERCENTAGE]% of the contract price. Copies of the contract and payment records are enclosed.
Abandonment Описание
Despite receiving substantial payment, you abandoned the project on or about [DATE]. Your last day of work on the site was [DATE]. Since that time, you have failed to return despite the project being only [PERCENTAGE]% complete. I have made the following attempts to contact you: [LIST CALLS, TEXTS, EMAILS WITH DATES]. All attempts have gone unanswered. The project currently stands in an incomplete and hazardous condition, with [DESCRIBE CURRENT STATE: e.g., open walls, exposed wiring, no functioning kitchen].
Legal Нарушениеs - Cite Specific Codes
Your conduct constitutes multiple нарушениеs of California law:

1. Abandonment (B&P Code 7107): Abandonment of a construction project without legal excuse is a cause for disciplinary action and subjects you to civil ответственность.

2. Failure to Complete (B&P Code 7113): Your failure to complete the project for the contract price is a нарушение of the Подрядчикs State License Law.

3. Contract Нарушениеs (B&P Code 7159): [IF APPLICABLE: Your contract failed to include required elements / you collected an excessive down payment of $X exceeding the $1,000/10% limit].

These нарушениеs entitle me to actual убытки, treble убытки under B&P Code 7160, and взыскание against your подрядчик's license bond.
Убытки Calculation
As a direct result of your abandonment, I have suffered the following убытки:

Cost to Complete Work:
- Original contract balance: $[REMAINING BALANCE]
- Estimated completion cost (per attached quotes): $[COMPLETION COST]
- Completion cost overage: $[OVERAGE AMOUNT]

Additional Убытки:
- Ремонт of дефектный work: $[AMOUNT]
- Alternative housing ([X] months at $[AMOUNT]/month): $[TOTAL]
- Storage costs: $[AMOUNT]
- Additional permit fees: $[AMOUNT]

TOTAL фактический ущерб: $[TOTAL]

в соответствии с B&P Code 7160, your willful contract нарушениеs entitle me to treble убытки of $[TOTAL x 3].
Demand and Deadline
ТРЕБОВАНИЕ FOR PAYMENT

I hereby demand that you pay the sum of $[TOTAL DAMAGES] within fifteen (15) days of the date of this letter, не позднее [DEADLINE DATE].

If I do not receive full payment by this deadline, I will pursue all available legal remedies включая, но не ограничиваясь:
- Filing a formal исковое заявление with the Подрядчикs State License Board seeking license suspension and restitution
- Filing a требование against your подрядчик's license bond ($25,000 minimum) with [BONDING COMPANY NAME]
- Filing a civil судебный иск seeking actual убытки, treble убытки under B&P Code 7160, адвокат fees, and суд costs

This letter shall serve as the письменное уведомление required under California law. Govern yourself accordingly.
Closing
С уважением,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]

Приложения:
- Копировать of signed contract
- Payment records/cancelled checks
- Photographs of incomplete work
- Estimates for completion from licensed подрядчикs
- Timeline of events

cc: Подрядчикs State License Board
cc: [BONDING COMPANY NAME]

🚀 Следующие Шаги

What to do after sending your требование.

Recommended Action Sequence

Step 1: Отправить Требование

Отправить via заказное письмо with уведомление о вручении. Keep a copy. Allow 15-30 days for response.

Step 2: File CSLB Исковое Заявление

File online or by mail. Attach copy of требование. This creates official record.

Step 3: File Bond Требование

Контакт bonding company directly. Отправить требование package. This can proceed while CSLB investigates.

Step 4: Consult Адвокат / File Suit

If no resolution, consult a construction адвокат or file in Small Claims (up to $10,000) or Superior Суд.

Если Не Оплатят or Respond

  1. Суд Мелких Тяжб (Up to $10,000)

    Fast, inexpensive, no адвокат needed. File at судhouse in the county where the work was performed or where the подрядчик has a business address.

  2. Limited Civil Суд ($10,001 - $25,000)

    More formal process but still streamlined. Адвокат recommended but not required.

  3. Unlimited Civil Суд (Over $25,000)

    For larger claims including treble убытки. Адвокат strongly recommended. Longer timeline but full discovery available.

  4. Collect Your Judgment

    If you win, you may need to enforce the judgment through wage garnishment, bank levy, or property lien.

⚠ Protect Your Property from Liens

If the abandoning подрядчик has unpaid subподрядчикs or suppliers, they may file mechanics liens against YOUR property. To protect yourself:

  • Check for preliminary notices on file with the county recorder
  • Контакт any subs/suppliers who sent notices to explain the situation
  • Consider recording a Notice of Completion or Cessation (CC 8182, 8188)
  • If liens are filed, you have 90 days to respond or they become enforceable

Need Professional Help?

Подрядчик abandonment cases can be complex, especially when treble убытки or bond claims are involved. Get a 30-minute strategy call with a construction адвокат to evaluate your options.

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