Bad Contractor Rights in California

Legal Information — Not Legal Advice: This page provides general information about California law. Consult a licensed California attorney for advice about your specific situation.

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

The CSLB is the primary state agency regulating contractors in California. All contractors performing work valued at $500 or more must hold a valid CSLB license. The CSLB investigates complaints, disciplines contractors, operates an arbitration program, and maintains a public database of all licensed contractors at cslb.ca.gov.

You can verify a contractor's license status, bond information, insurance, and any prior disciplinary actions on the CSLB website before hiring — or after a dispute arises. Bay Legal PC's office in Palo Alto serves clients throughout the Bay Area and statewide.

Key California Construction Law Statutes

Business and Professions Code §7000–7191 — The Contractors State License Law. Governs all licensed contractors in California.
Business and Professions Code §7031 — Unlicensed contractors cannot collect compensation. Homeowners can recover all amounts paid.
Business and Professions Code §7159 — Written contract requirements for home improvement contracts over $500.
Business and Professions Code §7160 — Home improvement fraud. Excessive deposits or abandonment trigger treble damages (3x).
Civil Code §895–945.5 — The Right to Repair Act, governing new residential construction defects.
Code of Civil Procedure §337.15 — 10-year statute of limitations for latent construction defects.

California Contractor Bond Requirements

All licensed California contractors must maintain a surety bond of at least $25,000. This bond protects consumers when a contractor fails to perform, abandons a project, or commits fraud. Bond claims are filed directly with the bonding company identified on the CSLB website.

California Statutes of Limitations for Contractor Claims

Latent construction defects: 10 years from substantial completion
Patent (visible) defects: 3 years from discovery
Breach of written contract: 4 years
Breach of oral contract: 2 years
Fraud and deceit: 3 years from discovery

Bay Legal PC — Serving California Homeowners

Bay Legal PC is a California law firm with offices in Palo Alto handling construction disputes throughout the state. Attorney Jayson Elliott (California State Bar No. 332479) handles contractor disputes for homeowners throughout California.

Talk to a Construction Attorney — Free Consultation

Bay Legal PC handles construction disputes throughout California. Tell us about your situation and we'll be in touch promptly.

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Bad Contractor Rights Under California Law