How do I file a CSLB complaint?

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is California's primary enforcement agency for licensed contractors. Filing a complaint is free, and CSLB investigates every complaint it receives.

What CSLB investigates:

• Abandonment (leaving job for 60+ days unjustified).
• Departure from contract or plans without authorization.
• Willful disregard of building code.
• Failure to pay employees or subcontractors.
• Failure to obtain permits.
• Fraud or willful misrepresentation.
• Working outside license class.
• Unlicensed contracting.
• Excessive deposit demands.

What CSLB does NOT directly recover:

• Monetary damages (complaint leads to citation, discipline, possibly arbitration; civil recovery usually requires separate small-claims or court action).
• Consequential damages.
• Attorney's fees.

Filing steps:

1. Online — cslb.ca.gov, Consumers tab, File a Complaint. Create account, fill out form, upload documents.

1. Mail — download Form 6A, complete, mail to CSLB Intake, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento CA 95826.

3. Include: - Contractor's license number. - Signed contract and all change orders. - Proof of payments. - Photos of defects or site condition. - All written communication. - Names and contact info for witnesses or involved subs. - Timeline of events. - Written narrative describing the issue.

What happens after filing:

• Acknowledgement letter within 30 days.
• Assignment to an investigator.
• Contractor notified and given opportunity to respond.
• Investigator may visit site, interview parties, request additional records.
• CSLB decides: close with no action, mediation referral, citation, disciplinary action, or criminal referral.

Concurrent paths:

• Arbitration — for disputes $12,500-$50,000, CSLB runs a mandatory arbitration program.
• Bond claim — file separately against the contractor's $25,000 bond.
• Civil action — small claims up to $12,500, superior court for larger.
• Criminal referral — for unlicensed work or fraud.

Tips for effective complaint:

• Be specific. "Work is bad" doesn't help. "Tile is laid with 3/8-inch lippage on the shower wall in violation of TCNA F100 specification" does.
• Include dollar amounts.
• Include code citations where possible.
• Attach expert reports if you have them.

Response timeline:

• Simple complaints: 3-6 months.
• Complex complaints with expert review: 6-18 months.
• Criminal referrals: 12-24 months.

AskBaily doesn't replace CSLB enforcement — we supplement it with pre-match verification. See also /ask/how-do-i-file-a-complaint-against-a-california-contractor for the broader complaint framework.