SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently collaborated with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office in a successful undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors.
During the operation in Oakdale earlier in October, CSLB cited eight individuals for allegedly engaging in contracting activities without the required license. The suspects have been issued Notices to Appear in criminal court, where they may face legal ramifications such as fines of up to $15,000 and/or jail time. Conducting contracting work without a proper contractor’s license is deemed a misdemeanor offense in California.
Individuals targeted in the operation submitted bids ranging from $750 for painting to $16,000 for cabinet upgrades. A California contractor’s license is mandatory for bidding or contracting construction work exceeding $500 in value, inclusive of materials and labor.
Unlicensed contractors apprehended during this operation could also face charges for advertising construction services without the necessary license. In accordance with California law, advertising for construction projects without a valid license in the advertised classification is considered illegal. Unlicensed individuals advertising contracting services must explicitly disclose their lack of licensure and cannot bid on, or contract work, valued over $500.
“CSLB is committed to protecting homeowners from the risks associated with unlicensed contractors,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “Our dedication encompasses ongoing consumer education on the importance of hiring licensed contractors. We strongly encourage homeowners in California to verify a contractor’s license before initiating any construction project.”
Several individuals targeted during the operation were found to demand excessive down payments before beginning work. California law clearly stipulates that contractors may request no more than 10 percent of the project cost or $1,000, whichever is lower. Violating this provision is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines up to $5,000, a potential one-year county jail sentence, or both.
CSLB advises the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected unlicensed contracting activities. For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.