Contractors State License Board Warns Licensees to Be Aware of Misleading Business Solicitations
Appeals often look like official government correspondence
SACRAMENTO, CA â The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants its licensees to be aware of a warning issued this week by the California State Board of Equalization (BOE).
Licensees are urged to be wary of misleading business solicitations from companies that mimic official correspondence from a government agency.
BOE says businesses have informed the board of notices they have received from the âCalifornia Labor Compliance Bureau,â requesting immediate payment of a âprocessing feeâ of $275. The âCalifornia Labor Compliance Bureauâ is not a government agency. The notices use public information, such as BOE account numbers and industry codes, which give them the appearance of official correspondence.
The âprocessing feeâ is purportedly for labor-related notices that California employers are required to post at their business premises informing employees of their legal rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The notices in question are available free of charge on the National Labor Relations Boardâs (NLRB) website.
BOE is not affiliated with the California Labor Compliance Bureau. BOE Correspondence always features the BOEâs title and/or logo and contains contact information. If you receive a notice and question whether it is official BOE correspondence, you should contact your local BOE office or contact the BOEâs Information Call Center at 800-400-7115.
The NLRB can assist licensees with questions regarding required notices at 202-273-0064.
Tag Archives: CSLB
THE CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD (CSLB) ZERO-TOLERANCE ENFORCEMENT POLICY IN 2010 AND NOW ISSUES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ANY C-10 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR WHO WILLFULLY EMPLOYS AN UNCERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO PERFORM WORK AS AN ELECTRICIAN
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CSLB Announces Zero Tolerance Enforcement Policy for C-10 Electrical Contractors.Â
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SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) established a zero-tolerance enforcement policy in 2010 and now issues legal action against any C-10 Electrical contractor who willfully employs an uncertified electrician to perform work as an electrician. CSLB is legally required to open an investigation and initiate disciplinary action against the contractor (which may include license suspension or revocation) within 60 days of receipt of a referral or complaint from the Department of Industrial Relationsâ Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).
Labor Code Section 3099.2 stipulates that anyone who performs work as an electrician for C-10 Electrical contractors shall hold an electrical certification card issued by DAS; DAS is required by Labor Code Section 3099.2 to report violations to CSLB.
Electricians are defined as those who engage in the connection of electrical devices for C-10 contractors. It is CSLBâs position that electrical work must be performed by either a state-licensed or a certified electrician. An indentured apprentice or state-registered electrician trainee may also perform electrical work if supervised by a state-certified electrician. Trenching, concrete, framing, and other work that does not involve connecting electrical devices may be performed by noncertified workers.
Learn more about electrician certification by visiting the Division of Apprenticeship Standards website
Contact a CSLS School Administrator to assist in purusing your C-10 License today! www.MakeMeAContractor.com
Avoid the Pinch…CSLB Fee Increase coming soon!
July is steadily approaching which means fee increases from the CSLB for a Contractors License associated fees is also approaching sooner than you think. Start now in a qualified Contractors Licensing program such as the In School Law & Trade program with CSLS and avoid the pinch. Details from the CSLB outlined to give you an idea of how enrolling now can save you from the big pinch.
Office of Administrative Law Approves CSLB Fee Increase
New fee schedule begins July 1, 2011
SACRAMENTO â Contractors State License Board (CSLB) application, licensing and registration fees transition to a new schedule on July 1, 2011, following action taken by the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) in 2010. CSLB fees had remained the same since 1993. OAL approved increases that would represent the statutory maximum that was set by the Legislature in 2002 in response to the Enforcement Monitor report that called for increased resources for CSLBâs enforcement program. The increase will help assure that CSLB is able to uphold its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry.
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| Fee | Current Amount | New Amount | Â Increase | % Increase |
| Application for Original Contractor License | $250.00 | $300.00 | $50.00 | 20% |
| Application to Add a Supplemental Classification or to Replace the Responsible Managing Officer or Employee on an Existing License | $50.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 | 50% |
| Rescheduling an Examination | $50.00 | $60.00 | $10.00 | 20% |
| Initial License Fee | $150.00 | $180.00 | $30.00 | 20% |
| Renewal – Contractor License (Biennial) | $300.00 | $360.00 | $60.00 | 20% |
| Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License | $150.00 | $180.00 | $30.00 | 20% |
| Reactivate Contractor License | $300.00 | $360.00 | $60.00 | 20% |
| Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration Fee | $50.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 | 50% |
| Asbestos Certification Fee | $50.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 | 50% |
| Hazardous Substance Removal Certificate | $50.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 | 50% |
| Delinquent Renewal – Contactor License /1 | $150.00 | $180.00 | $30.00 | 20% |
| Delinquent Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License /1 | $75.00 | $90.00 | $15.00 | 20% |
| Delinquent Renewal – HIS Registration /1 | $25.00 | $37.50 | $12.50 | 50% |
/1 Delinquent renewal fees are not included in the proposed regulation because B&P Code Section 7137 (f) sets the delinquency fee as a percentage of the applicable renewal fee: âThe delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee, if the license is renewed after its expiration.â
CSLB Scheduled to Increase Rates in 2011.
Scheduled CSLB 2011 Fee Increases
We knew that this was coming and now it’s official. CSLB is scheduled to increase licensing fees begining July 1, 2011. If you’re thinking about getting your license or making changes to your license now is the time to do it.
Changes to existing regulations that would increase contractor licensing fees received final approval from the Office of Administrative Law, effective December 18, 2010. Fee increases begin on July 1, 2011 for those applying for or changing their contractor license. Renewal fees for contractor licenses that expire on or after July 1, 2011, will also be increased. CSLB fees have remained at their current level since 1993, and the additional revenue will assure CSLB upholds its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry.
Statewide sting nets 19 suspected unlicensed contractors in San Diego County
By Tanya Mannes/www.signonsandiego.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Nineteen contractors in San Diego County were among 135 arrested last week during a statewide undercover operation seeking to identify people working without proper licensing.
The Contractors State License Board conducted the operation to spotlight the severe risks California consumers take when they hire unlicensed operators to work in and around their home.
Consumers often donât realize the risk they run when hiring someone who is not licensed. Because these phony contractors don’t carry workersâ compensation insurance, the homeowner could be liable if a worker is hurt on the job. Also, if something goes wrong or the project is abandoned, homeowners have few options for getting back their money.
âConsumers must check out the people theyâre going to hire to work on their home to make sure theyâre properly licensed,â said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. âA familyâs safety or finances could be jeopardized by not taking a few minutes to verify the contractor on CSLBâs website or through our toll-free phone system. We hope this blitz is a wake-up call for consumers to check the license first.â
To verify licensing, visit www.cslb.ca.gov or call 1-800-321-CSLB.
Of those arrested statewide, some were registered sex offenders and others had warrants for arrest on suspicion of burglary, domestic violence or driving under the influence. (None of those cases were in San Diego County.)
The San Diego County operation received support from the District Attorneyâs Office, the Sheriffâs Department and the California Department of Insurance.
Investigators from CSLBâs Statewide Investigative Fraud Team posed as homeowners or landlords, asking for bids on projects that ranged from landscaping, concrete and fencing to painting, gutters, garage doors, cabinets, tile work and tree trimming. Those who bid more than the legal limit of $500 for labor and materials received a notice to appear in Superior Court on suspicion of a misdemeanor charge of contracting without a license.
Other charges included illegal advertising and soliciting excessive down payments.
CSLB Press Release: Repeat Offender Caught in CSLB Tehama County Undercover Sting
Revoked licensee could face 90 days in jail after continuing to disregard law
SACRAMENTO â Tuesday, February 8, 2011, was not a good day for Randy Wade Dueck. The 50-year-old from Red Bluff was again caught contracting without a license and arrested during an undercover operation conducted by the Contractors State License Boardâs (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), this time in downtown Red Bluff. The sting was conducted in cooperation with the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office and California Department of Industrial Relations.
           SWIFT investigators posed as owners of a commercial property near the Sacramento River, seeking painting, flooring, and tile work. A total of eight unlicensed operators who bid more than $500 for labor and materials were arrested and received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Tehama County Superior Court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license (Business & Professions Code 7028). Six will face an additional charge for illegal advertising (Business & Professions Code 7027.1). A ninth person was not arrested, but did receive a $3,000 citation from the Department of Industrial Relations for employing two people without having workersâ compensation insurance (Labor Code 3722).
âWe cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure the people you hire to work in and around your home are properly license by the state of California,â said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. âItâs a level of protection that can keep you from becoming a victim of fraud.â
Dueck is no stranger to CSLB investigators. His painting license (#589514) was revoked in 1995 after failing to comply with terms of two administrative citations and failing to pay back claims against his license bond. Dueck was cited by CSLB in 2000 after a consumer complaint and also failed to pay the $1,500 citation.  Last April, Dueck was arrested in an undercover sting and plead guilty to a charge of contracting without a license. He was on probation at the time of his arrest this week and even told the undercover investigator before he was arrested that he was nervous about being caught again.
CSLB will ask the Tehama County District Attorneyâs Office to charge Dueck for violating Business & Professions Code 7028c, which raises the penalties for a second offense of contracting without a license to a $5,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor. State law also requires those selling home improvement services for licensed contractors to register with CSLB.
Since 2005, state law has required criminal background checks for anyone applying for a new license or adding a license classification. California law also requires contractors to have workersâ compensation coverage for all of their employees to protect homeowners from liability. License bond information is available when checking the status of a contractor license.
CSLB urges all California consumers to follow these tips before hiring a home improvement contractor:
- Verify the contractor’s license online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLBâs automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
- Ask to see a photo identification to verify the contractorâs identity.
- Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds and are noted on CSLBâs website.
- Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
- Get at least three bids and insist on a written contract before your project begins.
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           The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). You can also sign up for CSLB e-mail alerts, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. CSLB licenses and regulates California’s more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2009-10, CSLB helped recover nearly $42 million in ordered restitution for consumers.
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CSLB Press Release 1/13/2011 : Monterey Residents Face Criminal Charges for Fraudulently Using Contractor License Numbers
Suspects using business names “Window Design” and “Fresh Paint” arraigned on 146 counts
SACRAMENTO âDaniel Kenneth Furness, 58, and Colleen Gsell, 55, pleaded not guilty in Monterey County Superior Court on January 10, 2011, to 146 criminal charges relating to fraudulent use of other contractorsâ license numbers, and adverting and contracting without their own license. The charges were filed following an investigation by the Contractors State License Boardâs (CSLB) Central Valley Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), Monterey County District Attorneyâs Office, and the Monterey and Marina Police Departments.
Furness and Gsell are suspected of using contractor license numbers not held by them, instead of obtaining their own licenses from the Contractors State License Board. For example, they allegedly used license numbers belonging to other people whose business names are âWindow Designâ and âFresh Paint.â Furness and Gsell have not been issued a contractor license in either of their individual names, or a license to do business in the name of a company.
“We encourage homeowners to check their contractorâs license number on the CSLB website before any work is done,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Consumers should ask to see the state-issued pocket license and a photo identification to make sure the person they are dealing with is the person who holds the contractor license in the appropriate work classification.”
Furness and Gsell are also suspected of illegal advertising and taking excessive down payments. Contractors must display their license number when advertising for jobs valued at more than $500 for labor and materials. It is also illegal to take down payments greater than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, for any home improvement project. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on CSLBâs website.
Even though a consumer is not legally responsible for payments to an unlicensed contractor for projects valued at $500 or more for labor and materials, Furness is charged with instituting litigation against a deceased clientâs estate and making inaccurate statements in a claim of lien filed against this clientâs property. A licensed contractor or material supplier is entitled to file a mechanicâs lien if the contract amount is not paid as stated in the signed contract. An unlicensed operator who has contracted for work valued at more than $500 for labor and materials has no legal standing to do so. Furness is also charged with committing perjury in an application filed with CSLB.
Furness is formally charged with three counts of perjury and three counts of filing a false document. Furness and Gsell are each charged with 54 counts of illegal use of a contractor license number not issued to them; 42 counts of contracting without a contractor license; 23 counts of illegal advertising; and 21 counts of charging an excessive down payment.
“Those contracting without a license should understand that CSLB and its partners in law enforcement will not tolerate behavior that is detrimental to homeowners and licensed contractors who are complying with state laws and regulations,” added Sands.
CSLB Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Employee Certification Requirements Creating Buzz
This is an important notice for C-10 Electrical Contractors working in the state of California. Make sure you are following electrician certification requirements and avoid fines from the CSLB.
At a recent meeting of the CSLB Enforcement Committee (January 12, 2011) held at the Boardâs new Valencia Investigative Center, Board enforcement staff reported over 30,000 licensees have received notice of the Boardâs  Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Electrical Contractors employing uncertified electricians.
Labor Compliance Officers and members of electrical worker unions have been aggressively reporting C-10 contractors who violate the electrician certification requirements established by the Labor Code Section 3099 and regulated by the Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DIR/DAS). The Labor Code requires CSLB to investigate every report of a violation. Board enforcement staff indicated investigations resulted in 10 citations in the last month alone.
Electricians are defined as all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for C-10 contractors. It is CSLBâs position that electrical work must be performed by a certified electrician or an approved apprentice. Trenching, concrete, framing, and other work that does not involve connecting electrical devices may be performed by noncertified workers. For more information about the Boardâs Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Employee Certification Requirements, visit the CSLB Industry Bulletin from 11/19/2010 for more information.
Important CSLB Bulletin: Contractors State License Board Encourages Vigilance as Winter Storms Hit State
SACRAMENTO â In the wake of heavy rain, mudslides, flooding and their aftermath, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds California property owners to stay vigilant when it comes to contracting for clean-up or repairs. Sometimes what appears to be the cheapest solution to remove a fallen tree, fix a downed fence, or patch a leaky roof may not be the wisest choice.
Consumers can use CSLBâ˘s online resources to check the license status of the contractor they plan to hire, and to get tips on home repair and improvement choices. Any construction job valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a state-licensed contractor. California Business & Professions Code requires all licensees to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for their employees and to purchase a contractor license bond.
Now that Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a State of Emergency in several coastal, Central Valley, and Southern California counties, anyone caught contracting without a California contractor license can potentially be charged with a felony and subject to up to $10,000 in fines and three years in state prison (Business and Professions Code section 7028.16). In areas that are not state or federally-declared disaster areas, penalties are generally misdemeanors.
“A state-licensed contractor is the right choice when looking for a legitimate, qualified home repairpersonâespecially in an urgent situation,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “A CSLB-licensed contractor who is skilled in the specific trade you are seeking is not likely to leave you in the lurch when it comes to properly completing the job at a fair price.”
For tree trimming and removal jobs where the tree is 15 feet or higher and the job is more than $500, the contractor must be state-licensed. Business & Professions Code allows a gardener to do incidental pruning on trees less than 15 feet and under a cost of $500 without a CSLB license.
CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when soliciting bids from a home improvement contractor:
⢠Hire only licensed contractors, and ask to see the license and photo identification to make sure the person is who they claim to be.
⢠Dont rush into repairs, no matter how badly they are needed.
Contractors State License Services has School Locations Near CSLB Testing Facilities
CSLB Facility Sacramento
CSLS has school locations conveniently located near each of the CSLB testing facilities. We can assist you with license exam preparation, live scan fingerprint services, bonding services, corporation set-ups and more. See our locations on www.MakeMeAContractor.com to connect with a License Consultant who can assist you with your licensing needs.
Testing facilities and times are assigned by the Contractors State License Board. Verify your scheduled testing facility on your Notification of Test Date letter you receive from the Board following acceptance of your test application.
CSLB Testing Facilities
Fresno
1277 E Alluvial Avenue, Suite 106
Fresno, CA 93720
Norwalk
12501 East Imperial Hwy, Suite 630
Norwalk, CA 90650
Oxnard
1901 N Rice Avenue, Suite 210
Oxnard, CA 93036
San Bernardino
1845 Business Center Drive, Suite 214
San Bernardino, CA 92408
San Diego
9246 Lightwave Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
San Jose
100 Paseo De San Antonio, Suite 103
San Jose, CA 95113
Sacramento
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827