Choosing The Right Contractor

This step briefly explains the procedures that licensed contractors face when a complaint has been filed against them.


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 consumer services representative (CSR). The CSR 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, CSLB sponsored arbitration or assigned to an enforcement representative (ER) for investigation.

* The ER will investigate to determine if there have been any violations of the Contractors License Law or the Board Rules and Regulations.

* If a violation is established the ER may send the licensee a warning letter.

* If the established violation is of a more critical nature, the ER may issue a citation.

* For more serious violations of law, the ER 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 CSR or ER 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 Web site.

CSLB Revoked Licensee Facing Tough New Sanctions
Penalties are greater for contracting without a license

SACRAMENTO —Eight contractors were snagged in a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) undercover operation on February 24, 2010, with the assistance of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the Corona Police Department.

Among those who were issued a notice to appear (NTA) was Carlos Soliz, of Wildomar, a revoked licensee who, because of enhanced penalty law for licensees, will face the same penalties as a person with a third conviction for contracting without a license. Specific penalty provisions for revoked licensees took effect on January 1, 2009. Now, with enhanced penalties for contracting without a license that took effect January 1, 2010, Soliz could face between $5,000 and $10,000 in fines and a mandatory 90 days to one year in county jail.

During the operation, CSLB investigators posed as home owners soliciting bids from contractors for painting, tile, and masonry work. Targets were selected from advertisements online and in local publications. The suspects face charges including contracting without a license, illegal advertising, and soliciting an excessive down payment.

California Business and Professions (B&P) Code requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 for labor and materials be performed by a CSLB licensee, and that licensees include their license number in any advertisements for their contracting services. B&P Code also prohibits solicitation of a down payment greater than 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors who carry special bonds for consumer protection. These exceptions are noted on CSLB’s Web site.

"Always check your contractor’s license to make sure it is current and valid," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "And don’t let a contractor ask for more money than is legally allowed."

CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring a contractor:


* Verify the contractor's license by checking online at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752), and ask to see a photo identification to make sure you’re dealing with the correct person.

* Don't pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this for about two dozen contractors who have special bonds for consumer protection that are noted on the CSLB Web site.

* Don't pay in cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.

* Check references, and get at least 3 bids and a written contract before your project begins.

* Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.