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CSLB Press Release - 01/01/2006

Contractors State License Board Teams with Los Angeles City Attorney to Accelerate Prosecution of Unlicensed Operators

30 Cases filed as part of new partnership


SACRAMENTO — The Los Angeles City Attorney filed 30 criminal cases today as part of a new partnership with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The partnership streamlines CSLB investigations and increases the number of cases sent to the City Attorney for prosecution.

"These phony contractors hurt everyone," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "They rip off consumers; take work away from the law-abiding contractors; and by not paying taxes, they take money from our schools, law enforcement and infrastructure. We applaud City Attorney Delgadillo and his staff for taking a leading role in helping protect consumers and the hundreds of thousands of law-abiding contractors in the state."

"Today, we are sending a message that in Los Angeles, we will not allow our homeowners to be bilked out of their hard-earned money by con artists who flout the law, and cut corners to turn a profit," said Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. "I want to assure the residents of this city that my office and our partners at the Contractors State License Board are strongly committed to empowering consumers and protecting them from crooked contractors."

The CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:

  • Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license;
  • Don't rush into decisions and don't hire the first contractor who comes along;
  • Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they will use material they claim is left over from another job;
  • Verify the contractor's license by checking online or via CSLB's automated phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
  • Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less;
  • Don't pay cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work; and
  • Get three bids, check references, and a written contract

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The CSLB licenses and regulates California's 304,000 contractors, and investigates more than 20,000 complaints against contractors annually. In fiscal year 2005-06, the CSLB helped consumers get more than $36 million in restitution.

Read the Los Angeles City Attorney press release.