How to File an Oregon CCB Complaint Against a Contractor
Filing an Oregon CCB complaint is the official process to resolve disputes with a licensed contractor - but only if you follow the right steps and meet strict deadlines. If the contractor abandoned your project, did substandard work, or failed to pay wages, the Oregon CCB can help mediate.
First: confirm the contractor was licensed. The CCB can only help if the contractor held a valid CCB license during your project.
Verify the contractor was licensed
The CCB's dispute resolution process only applies to contractors who held a valid CCB license during your project. Before you do anything else, confirm the license was active at the time the work was performed.
If the contractor was unlicensed, the CCB's formal mediation may not apply - but their enforcement staff can still investigate and penalize the contractor. Either way, always check.
Look Up the Contractor's CCB LicenseCheck your filing deadline
Oregon CCB complaints must be filed within strict time limits. Missing the deadline permanently bars your claim - there are no exceptions. The deadline depends on who you are and the type of project:
| Who is filing | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Property owner - existing structure | 1 year from substantial completion |
| Property owner - new structure | 1 year from first occupancy or 2 years from substantial completion, whichever is earlier |
| Employee (nonpayment of wages) | 1 year from date wages were earned |
| Material supplier | 1 year from date materials were sold |
| Subcontractor | 1 year from date work was performed |
| Prime contractor vs. subcontractor - new structure | 14 months from first occupancy or 2 years from substantial completion, whichever is earlier |
| Prime contractor vs. subcontractor - existing structure | 14 months from substantial completion |
If your situation doesn't fit these categories, call the CCB Dispute Resolution Section at (503) 934-2247 or email disputes@ccb.oregon.gov.
Commercial contractor complaints - different process
If you are filing against a commercial contractor, the process is different from residential. You must:
- File a court action or begin arbitration first - before filing with the CCB
- Deliver a copy of the court/arbitration filing and a completed CCB complaint form to the CCB and to the contractor's bonding company by certified mail
- Do this within 90 calendar days after filing the court complaint or beginning arbitration, and at least 30 days before a judgment or arbitration award is issued
The CCB does not hold on-site meetings or mediations on complaints against commercial bonds. If the work was on a small commercial structure, check whether the contractor held a residential or commercial bond - the correct process depends on which bond type was in effect.
Send the required 30-day Pre-Complaint Notice
Before submitting your complaint to the CCB, Oregon law requires you to give the contractor written advance notice. This step is mandatory - skipping it will result in your complaint being rejected.
Send a Pre-Complaint Notice by certified mail to the contractor, stating that you intend to file a complaint with the CCB. You must mail this notice at least 30 days before you file.
If the notice is returned or the contractor refuses delivery, you can still file 30 days after the certified mailing date.
Keep the postal receipt as proof of mailing. You will need it if the contractor later disputes that they were notified.
The Pre-Complaint Notice must include ALL 5 of the following:
- Date
- Contractor's name
- Contractor's address of record (from CCB public record)
- Your intent to file a complaint with the CCB
- Your name
The law requires only that the notice be mailed - not that the contractor receives it. If returned or refused, you can still file 30 days after the mailing date. Keep the postal receipt.
Generate Pre-Complaint Notice on CCB WebsiteComplete the correct complaint form
Once 30 days have passed since mailing the notice, download and complete the form that matches your situation. All forms are available on the Oregon CCB website:
A $50 processing fee may apply - do not pay at the time of filing. CCB staff will contact you after reviewing your complaint and confirming jurisdiction.
Document submission requirements:
- Use only 8½ × 11 inch paper - small items taped to blank paper, no staples
- Send legible copies, not originals - handwritten documents in black ink only, not pencil
- Use white or light paper - other colors do not copy well
- Do not submit documents in binders, notebooks, flash drives, or discs
- Do not submit photographs
Submit and wait for CCB review
Once you submit your complaint, CCB dispute resolution staff will review the documents, confirm jurisdiction, and notify the contractor. If the complaint is accepted, they will attempt to mediate a settlement between both parties.
If mediation fails, the case may proceed to a formal hearing.
Download Resolving Disputes PacketLast updated: February 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Consumer Tools page and the CCB Resolving Disputes Packet (PDF). Questions: disputes@ccb.oregon.gov or 503-934-2247.
What happens after you file?
Filing the complaint is the first step. Here's where the process leads:
Common Questions
Verify the contractor before you file
The CCB can only help if the contractor was licensed. Confirm license status in seconds - free.
Related Guides
Before You File
- Contractor was licensed during project
- Still within the filing deadline
- 30-day notice sent by certified mail
- 30 days have passed since mailing
- Correct complaint form completed
- Documentation gathered
Find Contractors by County
For complaint history and disciplinary records, visit the official CCB search tool.
Official CCB Website