Quick answer
Report a bad contractor to your state contractor licensing board, the BBB at bbb.org, and your state Attorney General. For deposit theft report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Keep all contracts and photos as evidence.
How to Report a Bad Contractor: Get Justice and Your Money Back
Quick answer: Report a bad contractor to your state’s contractor licensing board, file a complaint with your state attorney general’s consumer protection division, and report to the Better Business Bureau. For unrecovered money, small claims court is often the fastest path. Document everything in writing first.
Shoddy work, abandoned jobs, and contractors who take deposits and disappear cost homeowners billions each year. You have real recourse — licensing boards can fine or revoke licenses, and consumer agencies and courts can help you recover money. This guide walks through each step.
Common Contractor Problems You Can Report
Reportable issues include abandoning a job, doing work that fails inspection or building codes, taking a deposit and not performing, charging far beyond the agreed price, working without required permits, and breach of a written contract. Most states regulate licensed contractors and can discipline them for violations.
Keep in mind: the more documentation you have — a signed contract, payment records, photos, and written communication — the stronger every complaint and claim becomes.
Where to File and Recover Money
Start with the state contractor licensing board, which can investigate, fine, suspend, or revoke a license. File with your state attorney general’s consumer protection office and the BBB to create a public record. To recover money, you can use small claims court (limits typically $5,000–$15,000), file against the contractor’s surety bond if your state requires one, or pursue a state recovery fund.
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Get Your Free Checklist →Where to Report a Bad Contractor
| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing violations / poor workmanship | State contractor licensing board | Search “[your state] contractor license board complaint” |
| Deceptive or unfair practices | State attorney general | Consumer protection division |
| Public complaint record | Better Business Bureau | bbb.org |
| Recover money owed | Small claims court | County court self-help center |
| Bond / recovery fund claim | State licensing board | Ask about surety bond or recovery fund |
| Permit / code violations | Local building department | City/county building dept |
How to Report a Bad Contractor Step by Step
- Gather your documentation. Collect the signed contract, estimates, invoices, proof of payments, photos of the work, permits, and all texts and emails.
- Try to resolve in writing. Send the contractor a dated written demand describing the problem and what you want done. Keep a copy — this shows regulators and courts you attempted resolution.
- Confirm the license. Look up the contractor on your state licensing board’s website. Note whether they were licensed, bonded, and insured for the work.
- File with the licensing board. Submit a complaint with your evidence. The board can investigate and impose discipline, which also creates leverage for a refund.
- Report to the attorney general and BBB. File a consumer complaint with your state AG and post a complaint with the BBB to document the pattern.
- Make a bond or recovery-fund claim. If your state requires contractors to be bonded or maintains a recovery fund, file a claim to recover losses.
- File in small claims court. For money owed within the court’s limit, small claims is fast and doesn’t require a lawyer. Bring your documentation and any inspection reports.
- Consider an attorney for large losses. For damages above small-claims limits, consult a construction or consumer attorney about a civil suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back from a bad contractor?
Possibly. Options include negotiating a refund, claiming against the contractor’s surety bond, filing with a state recovery fund, or suing in small claims court. Strong documentation greatly improves your odds.
What’s the difference between reporting and suing?
Reporting to the licensing board or attorney general can lead to fines or license discipline but doesn’t directly pay you back. Small claims court is how you actually recover money. Many people do both.
Should I report an unlicensed contractor?
Yes — and report the lack of a license too. Unlicensed contracting is illegal in most states. See our guide on reporting unlicensed contractors for the specific process.
How long do I have to file a complaint?
Deadlines vary by state and by remedy. Licensing-board complaints often allow several years; small claims and breach-of-contract suits follow your state’s statute of limitations. File as soon as possible.
Does the BBB make contractors fix problems?
The BBB can’t force action, but it mediates disputes and publishes complaints and responses. A poor BBB record pressures contractors to resolve issues to protect their reputation.
For related guides see: How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor, How to Complain About a Car Repair Shop, How to Report False Advertising.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Need the right agency in your state?
Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
Find reporting agencies by state →Official sources
Use these official channels for your complaint — verify details on the agency site before you submit.
- State Contractor Licensing Board + BBB — 1-703-276-0100 (Online 24/7)
- Official reporting portal
What happens next
- Most agencies send an acknowledgment or reference number — save it with your copies.
- Investigations vary by agency; complex cases can take weeks or months.
- If you do not hear back within the timeframe listed on the agency site, follow up in writing.
- Keep reporting to additional agencies if your issue crosses categories (for example, fraud plus billing).