§ 11791 Unlawful Contractor Practices

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says you can't lie about what you’re doing, use bad stuff, be careless, ignore orders, or skip record‑keeping.

Key Takeaways

•Don’t make false or fraudulent claims or use worthless materials.
•Don’t work in a careless or negligent way.
•Follow all orders and regulations from the commissioner or director.
•Keep and turn in all required records and reports.

Example

A home‑repair contractor tells a homeowner that a cheap paint will last as long as a premium brand, uses the cheap paint anyway, and then refuses to give the paperwork the city requires.

Because the contractor lied about the paint, used a low‑quality material, and didn’t keep the required records, they are breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 11791 Unlawful Contractor Practices

It is unlawful for any person subject to this division to do any of the following: (a) Make any false or fraudulent claim, or misrepresent the effects of material or method to be applied, apply any worthless or improper material, or otherwise engage in any unfair practices. (b) Operate in a faulty, careless, or negligent manner. (c) Refuse or neglect to comply with this division, or any regulation issued pursuant to this division, or any lawful order of the commissioner or the director. (d) Refuse or neglect to keep and maintain the records which are required by this division, or to make reports when and as required. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1192, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

false or fraudulent claim unfair practices faulty, careless, or negligent manner comply with this division keep and maintain the records

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 11791.

§ 11791 Unlawful Contractor Practices

Food and Agricultural Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

§ 11791 Unlawful Contractor Practices

This law says you can't lie about what you’re doing, use bad stuff, be careless, ignore orders, or skip record‑keeping.

Key Takeaways

•Don’t make false or fraudulent claims or use worthless materials.
•Don’t work in a careless or negligent way.
•Follow all orders and regulations from the commissioner or director.
•Keep and turn in all required records and reports.

Example

A home‑repair contractor tells a homeowner that a cheap paint will last as long as a premium brand, uses the cheap paint anyway, and then refuses to give the paperwork the city requires.

Because the contractor lied about the paint, used a low‑quality material, and didn’t keep the required records, they are breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 11791 Unlawful Contractor Practices

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

false or fraudulent claim unfair practices faulty, careless, or negligent manner comply with this division keep and maintain the records

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 11791.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References