Professional Standards & California License Rules

Last updated: October 3, 2026.

NeighborJobPro is California-first. These are platform eligibility rules; our safety-critical restrictions are stricter than the minor-work exemption. They do not declare that every listed trade always requires a license solely because of its name under state law.

1. Licensed work required

An active, appropriate California CSLB license is required to advertise, list, quote, bid on or accept construction when any condition applies:

• The entire project total is $1,000 or more, including labor, materials, equipment, fees and every other charge across all contracts.
• A building permit or inspection is required.
• Employees perform the work.
• Work is structural, safety-critical or regulated: foundations, framing, load-bearing walls, structural alterations, roofing structure, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, solar, demolition or other permitted work.

2. Limited handyman listings

An unlicensed handyman may advertise only casual, minor, inconsequential work when ALL conditions hold: total cost is less than $1,000; no permit or inspection; no employees; no division of a larger project to evade licensing; and no restricted structural or safety-critical trade. If part of a larger undertaking, do not treat the small portion as an exempt standalone job. Advertisements must clearly disclose “Not licensed by CSLB.” Reassess eligibility if scope or cost changes; stop and use a qualified licensed professional when a trigger applies.

3. Listing screening and verification

Provide the complete estimated amount, work category, permit/inspection answer, employee answer and no-project-splitting confirmation. When a licensing trigger applies, provide a CSLB number and the matching licensed business name. An entered number or self-attestation is not verification. Restricted publication remains blocked unless an administrator has checked active status, business identity and appropriate classifications and approved the category for the member. Verification must be current; expired or unavailable verification cannot authorize publication.

“California Licensed Professional” may appear only for a currently approved record. A badge is not a warranty of insurance, permits, safety or work quality. Members must recheck before hiring. Homeowner requests do not give homeowners a contractor license; restricted requests in the current publication flow require an approved licensed provider and otherwise cannot publish.

4. Quotes, bids and acceptance

No unlicensed provider may quote, bid or accept restricted work through the platform. Dedicated quote, bid and acceptance features are not currently available. Messaging about screened projects is subject to qualification controls, but private messages are not a licensing approval or project acceptance.

5. Reports and consequences

Use “Report listing” for suspected unlicensed, deceptive or unsafe work, or email contactjobneighbor@gmail.com with the listing link and details. NeighborJobPro may remove listings, suspend accounts or request documents. Do not assume every listing was verified. If classification or permit requirements are uncertain, treat the project as requiring verification.

6. Official references

• CSLB licensing and minor-work eligibility
• Check a CSLB license
• CSLB classifications, enforcement and building officials

These platform rules do not replace legal advice. Members must comply with applicable federal, state, and local law.