Complaints are processed according to their degree of severity and their date of receipt. Each written complaint is reviewed to determine if it falls within the jurisdiction of CSLB. CSLB has jurisdiction over both licensed and unlicensed contractors for up to three years from the date of an illegal act.

CSLB will send you confirmation that your complaint has been received. A notice will be sent to the contractor to determine if the complaint can be resolved without further involvement of the Board.

If, after notification to the contractor, the complaint has not been resolved, a consumer services representative (CSR) will contact you and request any additional information relating to your complaint which may be necessary. The CSR will then attempt to resolve your complaint through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the complaint will be assigned to a deputy registrar for investigation.

A deputy registrar conducts an investigation to determine if there are violations of the Contractors License Law. This includes interviewing you, the contractor, and any other parties who can furnish information. The deputy will also review documents relating to your project.

Violations of the License Law by a licensed contractor may result in a citation or suspension or revocation of the contractor's license. Citations may contain civil penalties up to $2,000 and/or orders of correction. In cases where there is legal authority to do so, the contractor may be required by CSLB to make repairs or to make restitution.

However, CSLB is not a substitute for the courts, so if your primary interest is to obtain restitution, you should get advice from an attorney or the small claims counselor at your local municipal court.

If your contract has an arbitration clause in it, CSLB will exercise jurisdiction if agreed to by the complainant and the contractor. Arbitration is designed to provide a reasonable alternative to the complaint and adjudication process. CSLB may exercise jurisdiction if, as a result of arbitration, the contractor is required to make repairs and the contractor does not perform. Depending on the circumstances of the complaint, if mediation is unsuccessful, your complaint may be referred to the CSLB's Voluntary Arbitration Program.

If you contemplate legal action to recover damages of $5,000 or less, see the clerk of the small claims court. If the damages are more, you should see an attorney. You should not wait for CSLB action before filing suit in court. If you decide to rely upon the small claims court for relief, you should be aware that you may not additionally seek relief on the same issues through other alternatives such as arbitration or investigation by the Board.

Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by jail, a fine or both. In a case involving unlicensed activity, the board may cite the unlicensed person and impose a fine of up to $1,500 and/or refer the case to the local district attorney for prosecution. CSLB cannot require an unlicensed person to make repairs or restitution.