Complaints Against Licensed Contractors

    How Complaints Against Licensed Contractors are Handled

    Complaints are processed by priority. Complaints involving a threat to public health, safety, and significant financial injury are given the highest priority. CSLB also prioritizes complaints based on the order of receipt and available resources and staffing.

    • The complaint is usually first assigned to a Staff Services Analyst (SSA). The SSA will attempt to mediate the complaint.
    • If mediation is unsuccessful and the complaint is not closed for reasons such as settled, or lack of evidence, etc., the complaint may be referred to Small Claims Court, or assigned to an Special Investigator (SI) for investigation.
    • The Special Investigator (SI) will investigate to determine if there have been any violations of Contractors License State Law or the CSLB Rules and Regulations.
    • If a violation is established, the Special Investigator (SI) may send the licensee a warning letter.
    • If the established violation is of a more critical nature, the Special Investigator (SI) may issue a citation.
    • For more serious violations of law, the Special Investigator (SI) may take administrative action by filing an accusation with the Attorney General stating the board's intent to suspend or revoke the license.

      Note: At anytime the Staff Services Analyst (SSA) or Special Investigator (SI) may close the complaint for reasons such as settlement, lack of evidence, no violation, etc.

    For more information on the CSLB complaint, citation or administrative processes, please see the Consumer section How to File A Complaint, or the Contractor section Dealing with a complaint, on this Website.