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How to file a complaint with CSLB

By Contractor Lookout · Updated November 3, 2026

You can file a complaint with CSLB through its online complaint form, and CSLB takes questions by phone at (800) 321-CSLB (2752). In most cases you have four years from the act or omission to do it. CSLB can investigate and discipline a contractor, but it can’t recover money for you.

A complaint can involve a licensed contractor or someone who did contractor work without a license.

When a complaint makes sense

A complaint asks CSLB to look into a possible violation of the license law. Problems that can lead to one include:

Before filing, it usually helps to put your concern to the contractor in writing and give them a chance to respond. Keep a copy. It becomes part of your record either way.

The time limits

Under Business and Professions Code section 7091, CSLB generally has to receive a complaint within these windows:

Type of problem Deadline
Most complaints, including visible (patent) defects 4 years from the act or omission
Latent defects involving the structure 10 years from the act or omission
Fraud 2 years from discovering it
Breach of an express warranty 18 months after the warranty period ends

CSLB’s own page says it can address violations for up to four years from the date of the act. If you’re near a deadline, file now and gather more documents later.

What to gather first

  1. The contractor’s name and license number. Look the license up on our search or CSLB’s Instant License Check, and save a copy of the record as it stands today.
  2. The contract and any change orders.
  3. Proof of payment: canceled checks, card statements, receipts.
  4. Photos of the work, with dates if possible.
  5. Messages: texts, emails and letters with the contractor.
  6. Permits and inspection records, if any.
  7. A short timeline of what happened and when.

If you hired someone who turned out to be unlicensed, include whatever you have: business cards, ads, a truck photo, the phone number used.

How to file

  1. Read CSLB’s complaint overview to confirm your issue fits.
  2. Go to CSLB’s file a complaint page and choose how to submit.
  3. To file online, use the online complaint form. Attach your documents.
  4. If you have questions, call CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).
  5. Keep any complaint number CSLB gives you, and respond quickly if an investigator contacts you.

What CSLB can and can’t do

CSLB can investigate, issue citations and take disciplinary action against a license. A pending case may show on the license record as pending case or citation, and a contractor who doesn’t comply with a citation can be suspended. Our status guide explains how these show up.

CSLB can’t recover money for you. Getting a refund or damages is a separate matter outside the complaint process. For anything involving money or your legal rights, consider talking to a lawyer. Our bonds guide explains which bonds a contractor keeps on file.

Also keep in mind what the public record does and doesn’t show. CSLB notes on every license page that complaint disclosure is restricted by law, and that only construction-related civil judgments reported to CSLB are disclosed. A license with no public complaints may still have had some.

Complaints about unlicensed work

If the person wasn’t licensed and the job was $1,000 or more, needed a permit, or used helpers, they weren’t covered by the minor work exemption. See the minor work exemption and unlicensed contractor penalties guides. CSLB citations for unlicensed contracting now carry civil penalties of $1,500 to $15,000.

If the job is still underway

If the contractor’s license was suspended during your project, read what to do if a license is suspended mid-job before you make another payment. For future projects, our hiring checklist covers the checks that head off most problems.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

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