Contractor Problems in Washington: Complaints and Your Options

Where to file a complaint

L&I says to report a fraudulent or unregistered contractor online or at the Report-a-Fraud line, 1-888-811-5974. If you can't resolve serious problems with a contractor, L&I says you can file suit against their bond. Source

Bond or insurance

Registered contractors must carry a surety bond of $30,000 for general contractors or $15,000 for specialty contractors. They must also carry general liability insurance of $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit. Source

State recovery fund

Successful applicants to the Homeowner Recovery Fund can receive up to $25,000, depending on available funds, with a waitlist if funds run short. You must own and occupy a single-family house or a building of four or fewer units, not a condominium. The contractor must be registered, and you need a final superior court judgment ordered after July 1, 2026. Apply within 90 days after the court case ends. Source

Contract and cancellation rules

L&I says that if your contract exceeds $1,000, Washington law requires contractors to have you sign a disclosure statement with information about your rights and responsibilities and how to protect yourself. Source

Liens on your home

If you receive a notice of intent to lien, L&I says to take it seriously, tell your contractor, and find out what arrangements they have made to pay the sender. Source

This is general information, not legal advice. A topic we don't list means we couldn't confirm it on an official page, not that the protection doesn't exist.

Washington licensing and costs · All states

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.