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Hiring a roofer after a California wildfire or declared disaster
Source: California Roofing Help (californiaroofinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
CSLB says rebuilding after a wildfire or other declared disaster is treated as a home improvement project. Contractors must follow home improvement contract and payment rules, not new-construction rules. (source: Contractors State License Board)
- Contractors must use a fixed-price contract. Time-and-materials and cost-plus contracts are not allowed for disaster-related home improvement work.
- Down payments may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is less.
- Other payments must be listed in the contract and based on the actual value of work completed or materials delivered.
- Verify the contractor holds a B General Building license in good standing for whole-home rebuilds, and a C-39 for roofing specialty work.
(source: Contractors State License Board)
After a Governor-proclaimed state of emergency or a presidentially declared emergency or major disaster, unlicensed contracting for repairs or improvements to a structure damaged by that disaster can bring a fine up to $10,000, state prison time of 16 months, two years or three years, or both, or a fine up to $1,000 and county jail up to one year (B&P 7028.16). The person who used the unlicensed contractor is treated as a crime victim even if they did not know the contractor was unlicensed. (source: California Legislature)
Check any contractor's license number on CSLB's Check a License page. A California license number has no letters and is up to 8 digits. CSLB: 800-321-CSLB (2752). (source: Contractors State License Board)
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace a roof in California? · When does a California roofer need a C-39 license? · Hiring a roofer after a California wildfire or declared disaster · California roof insurance claim deadlines · California roofing contract and payment rules · How to check a California roofer and complain · Can I reroof my own house in California? · Roofing permit costs in California cities · Cool roof and fire-zone roofing rules in California cities · Where to complain about a California roofer · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Disaster Help Center (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7028.16 (unlicensed contracting after a disaster) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Check a License (checked November 2, 2026)
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