When a landscape contractor fails to deliver on what was promised, performs substandard work, operates without a license, or engages in deceptive practices, property owners and the public have options for seeking accountability. North Carolina has a regulatory framework under Chapter 89D of the NC General Statutes and the NC Landscape Contractors' Registration Board (NCLCRB) that provides a formal process for complaints against licensed contractors. For unlicensed operators, additional avenues exist through other state agencies and the courts. This page is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the NCLCRB or any government agency.
When to File a Complaint
Not every dispute with a landscape contractor rises to the level of a formal complaint. Direct communication with the contractor is always the recommended first step — many issues can be resolved without formal action. However, there are circumstances in which filing a complaint with the NCLCRB or another authority is appropriate:
Substandard workmanship. The contractor performed work that does not meet reasonable professional standards — for example, retaining walls that failed shortly after installation, improper grading that caused flooding, or plantings that died due to incorrect installation methods rather than normal plant mortality.
Unlicensed activity. A contractor is performing regulated landscape contracting work in NC without holding a valid license from the NCLCRB.
Fraudulent or deceptive practices. The contractor misrepresented their credentials, experience, or the nature of the work; collected payment for work they did not perform; or engaged in other deceptive conduct.
Contract disputes involving professional misconduct. The contractor abandoned the project, refused to honor a warranty, or engaged in conduct that goes beyond a simple payment dispute and reflects on their professional fitness.
Violations of licensing rules. The contractor failed to maintain required insurance, failed to meet continuing education requirements, or otherwise violated the rules governing licensed landscape contractors in NC.
If your concern is purely a financial dispute — the contractor performed the work adequately but you disagree about the final price or an invoice — that is better addressed through contract negotiation, mediation, or civil court rather than a licensing board complaint.
Complaints Against Licensed Contractors
If the contractor holds a valid NC landscape contractor license, the NCLCRB is the primary regulatory body with authority over their professional conduct. The board's disciplinary authority extends to all licensees and covers violations of Chapter 89D, the board's administrative rules, and professional conduct standards applicable to landscape contractors.
When you file a complaint against a licensed contractor, you are initiating a formal administrative process. The board investigates the complaint, gathers information from both the complainant and the licensee, and determines whether a violation occurred. If a violation is found, the board can impose a range of disciplinary actions, from a formal reprimand to conditions on the license to suspension or revocation.
Filing a complaint with the NCLCRB is appropriate when your concern relates to the contractor's professional conduct or fitness to hold a license — not just for any dispute. The board is not a dispute resolution service for ordinary contract disagreements; it is a regulatory body focused on protecting the public from professional misconduct and licensing violations.
Complaints Against Unlicensed Contractors
If the contractor does not hold a valid NC landscape contractor license, the NCLCRB's formal disciplinary process does not apply — the board cannot discipline someone who is not its licensee. However, the board does have enforcement authority over unlicensed practice itself. Performing regulated landscape contracting work without a license is a violation of Chapter 89D, and the NCLCRB can investigate and pursue civil penalties against unlicensed operators.
Report unlicensed landscape contracting activity to the NCLCRB so the board can investigate and take appropriate enforcement action, including seeking civil penalties or injunctive relief to stop the unlicensed activity. This won't directly compensate you for any losses, but it serves the public interest by addressing unlicensed activity in the marketplace.
For conduct that may constitute fraud or theft — such as a contractor who took your money and disappeared without performing the work — contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. You may also file a complaint with the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which has authority over deceptive trade practices. Depending on the circumstances, the Attorney General's office may be able to assist or direct you to appropriate resources.
What the NCLCRB Can and Cannot Do
Understanding the board's authority helps you set realistic expectations about what a complaint can accomplish.
The NCLCRB can:
- Investigate complaints against licensed landscape contractors
- Subpoena records and conduct hearings as part of an investigation
- Issue formal reprimands, impose conditions or restrictions on a license, place a licensee on probation, suspend a license, or revoke a license
- Pursue civil penalties against unlicensed contractors
- Seek injunctive relief through the courts to stop unlicensed activity
The NCLCRB cannot:
- Award you financial compensation or damages — the board is a regulatory agency, not a court
- Order a contractor to refund your money or pay for repairs to defective work
- Force a contractor to complete a project or honor a contract
- Represent you or act as your advocate in a dispute with a contractor
- Take action against a contractor for conduct that is not a violation of Chapter 89D or the board's rules
If you need financial compensation — a refund, payment for corrective work, recovery of damages — you need civil court, not a board complaint. A board complaint and a civil lawsuit can be pursued simultaneously; one does not preclude the other.
How to File a Complaint with the NCLCRB
To file a complaint, contact the NC Landscape Contractors' Registration Board directly. Because contact information and procedures can change over time, this site does not list specific phone numbers or mailing addresses. Search for the NCLCRB's official website through a search engine or through the NC state government portal to find current contact details.
The NCLCRB accepts written complaints. You will typically need to submit your complaint in writing, describing the nature of your concern and providing supporting documentation. The board may have a complaint form available on its website, which you should use if one is provided — standardized forms ensure that you include the information the board needs to process your complaint efficiently.
File your complaint as promptly as possible. Delays can result in lost documentation, faded memories, and practical difficulties in the investigation. If you are aware of unlicensed activity, report it promptly rather than waiting to see whether the contractor's work turns out to be acceptable.
What to Include in Your Complaint
A well-documented complaint is more likely to result in a thorough investigation and a definitive outcome. Include the following information and materials when you file:
Identifying information for the contractor. The contractor's full name, business name, any known address, phone number, email address, and license number (if licensed). The more accurately you can identify the contractor, the easier the investigation.
A clear description of the conduct you are complaining about. Be specific and factual. Describe what happened, when it happened, and how it affected you. Avoid generalizations and focus on specific events and dates.
A chronological timeline. When was the contract signed? When did work begin? When did problems first appear? When did you notify the contractor? When did you first contact the board? A clear timeline helps investigators understand the sequence of events.
Copies of all relevant documents. Include your contract, any change orders, written estimates or bids, invoices, and receipts for payments made. Do not send originals — send copies and retain the originals.
Photographs. Visual documentation of substandard work, property damage, or site conditions is often the most persuasive evidence in a complaint. Date-stamp your photos if possible, and take them from multiple angles.
Copies of correspondence. Include emails, text messages, or letters between you and the contractor, particularly any in which you raised concerns or the contractor made commitments about the work.
A record of any witnesses. If other people observed the contractor's work or the resulting problems — neighbors, other contractors, inspectors — note their names and contact information.
Keep copies of everything you submit to the board. You want a complete record of what you filed and when.
What Happens After You File
After you submit a complaint to the NCLCRB, the board begins an intake and review process. Here is a general overview of what to expect, though the specific process and timeline will depend on the board's current procedures:
Initial review. Board staff will review your complaint to determine whether it falls within the board's jurisdiction — that is, whether it involves a licensed contractor or unlicensed activity that the board has authority to address. If the complaint is outside the board's jurisdiction, you will typically be informed and may be directed to a more appropriate agency.
Notification to the licensee. If the complaint proceeds, the licensee or respondent is typically notified of the complaint and given an opportunity to respond. The board gathers information from both sides.
Investigation. The board may request additional documentation, conduct interviews, or take other investigative steps to gather the facts. This process can take time — weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the complaint and the board's caseload.
Determination and outcome. After the investigation, the board determines whether a violation occurred. Possible outcomes include dismissal of the complaint (if no violation is found), informal resolution, a formal reprimand, conditions or restrictions on the license, probation, suspension, or revocation. In cases involving unlicensed activity, the board may refer the matter to the Attorney General or seek civil penalties.
Notice to complainant. The board will typically notify you of the outcome of your complaint. Be aware that some investigative details and deliberations may be confidential under NC administrative law.
Filing a complaint does not guarantee any particular outcome. The board's role is to protect the public interest through its regulatory authority, not to advocate for the individual complainant.
Civil Legal Action
If you have suffered financial harm as a result of a landscape contractor's conduct — lost money, cost of corrective work, property damage — a board complaint alone will not make you whole. To recover financial compensation, you need to pursue civil legal action.
Small claims court (Magistrate's Court) is an option for relatively smaller claims. NC's small claims courts are designed to be accessible without an attorney, though consulting one before filing is still worthwhile. Check the current jurisdictional limits, which can change, for the maximum claim amount allowed in small claims court.
District or Superior Court handles larger civil claims. For significant amounts, retaining an attorney licensed in NC to evaluate your case and represent your interests is strongly advisable. An attorney can assess your likelihood of recovery, the best legal theories to pursue, and whether the contractor has assets sufficient to make a judgment collectible.
Breach of contract is the most common claim in contractor disputes. If the contractor failed to perform the work agreed upon in the contract, delivered work that did not conform to specifications, or abandoned the project, these are potential contract claims. Your attorney may also evaluate whether claims for negligence, fraud, or violations of the NC Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act are applicable in your situation.
Document your damages carefully. Keep receipts for all corrective work you have done, estimates you have received for repairs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of the contractor's conduct. This documentation forms the evidentiary basis of your damages claim.
Pursuing both a board complaint and civil legal action simultaneously is permissible. They address different aspects of the situation: the board complaint addresses the contractor's fitness to hold a license, while civil action seeks to compensate you for your specific losses.