California Contractor Dispute Demand Letter
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7100
California State License Board (CSLB)
35 days
A contractor dispute — whether the work was abandoned, never finished, or so defective it needs to be torn out and redone — is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face. California law provides real recourse. Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7100, contractors are licensed and regulated by the California State License Board (CSLB), and there are formal mechanisms to hold them accountable.
The most important thing you can do right now is get your dispute in writing. California law recognizes a right-to-cure process — giving the contractor 35 days to address the defects before you pursue other remedies. A formal demand letter starts that clock. A demand letter documents exactly what was promised, what went wrong, what you've already paid, and what you're demanding — whether that's a refund, completion of work, or payment for the cost to hire a replacement contractor.
DemandFast generates a California-specific contractor demand letter that cites Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7100, references the contractor's licensing obligations under California law, and formally demands remedy within a specified timeframe. The letter is formatted for certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your contractor ignores it, you have a complete paper trail ready for a licensing board complaint or small claims court.
File complaint at CSLB website. Licensing board complaints carry real consequences for contractors — loss of license, fines, and a public record of the complaint. Many contractors respond to a demand letter precisely to avoid that outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs contractor disputes in California?
California contractor work is regulated under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7100. Contractors must be licensed through the California State License Board (CSLB). Unlicensed work may void the contractor's right to payment and give you additional remedies.
Do I need to give my contractor a chance to fix the work in California?
California law recognizes a right-to-cure period, and best practice is to give the contractor 35 days to remedy the defect before pursuing other remedies. A formal written demand letter starts that clock and creates a paper trail.
How do I file a complaint against a contractor in California?
File complaint at CSLB website. A formal demand letter often resolves disputes without a complaint — but if your contractor ignores it, you have documented evidence to support your filing.