A new roof is one of the larger checks most homeowners ever write. California has clear rules about who may do the work and how the contract must work. This section explains those rules in plain terms, using the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) as the main source.
LA Roof Guide does not do roofing work and does not recommend contractors. We explain the rules so you can check any roofer yourself.
Who needs a license
Since January 1, 2025, California's minor work exemption is $1,000, up from $500. CSLB explains that the exemption has a catch. The work cannot need a permit, and the unlicensed person cannot hire anyone to help. If the work needs a permit of any kind, or if workers are hired, a license is required even when the job is under $1,000.
A reroof in most Los Angeles area cities needs a building permit. See roof permits for how that works. In practice, that means nearly every roof replacement needs a licensed contractor.
The CSLB license class for roofing is C-39, Roofing Contractor. CSLB describes it this way: "A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures." Some general building (B) contractors also do roofing as part of larger projects. The license record shows which classes a business holds.
Workers' comp is required for roofers
CSLB says C-39 roofing contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance or a valid certification of self-insurance "whether or not they have employees." The rule comes from Business and Professions Code section 7125. You can see the policy on the contractor's license record. Our guide to checking a CSLB license shows where.
The short checklist
CSLB's own consumer guides give these steps. We have kept them close to the original.
- Ask for the state contractor license number and check it at cslb.ca.gov, or call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752).
- Ask to see the pocket license and a photo ID. The names should match.
- Ask your local building department if the job needs a permit, and confirm the contractor will get it.
- Get at least three bids. CSLB also says not to automatically take the lowest bid, especially if it is far below the others.
- Get a detailed written contract before work starts. All changes must be in writing.
- Pay no more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000 as a down payment, whichever is less. Avoid cash.
- Do not let payments get ahead of the work.
- Keep a job file with the contract, payments, messages and photos.
Read more in roofing contracts and down payments.
Your right to cancel
CSLB says people 65 or older have a five business day right to cancel a home improvement contract. Everyone else has three business days. CSLB advises not letting the contractor start work or pull permits during this period, and not giving in to pressure to waive it.
Scams CSLB warns about
CSLB lists several common patterns. A door-to-door seller offers roofing work with "leftover" materials at a low price, takes payment, and leaves. Someone offers a free inspection and then claims a leaky roof is an urgent danger. Someone says a written contract is not needed. Someone demands cash, or a down payment larger than the law allows.
After a disaster, the risk goes up. CSLB says it is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster area. After the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, CSLB also told homeowners not to sign over insurance payment checks to a contractor. CSLB runs a Disaster Hotline at 800-962-1125, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In this section
- How to check a CSLB license: what the license record shows and what it does not.
- Roofing contracts and down payments: the down payment cap, payment schedules, change orders and the right to cancel.
Related reading: how to read a roofing estimate and reroof permit basics.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change. Check cslb.ca.gov for the current version.