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Enforcement Section

Enforcement Section

Contact the Enforcement Section:

Licensing Enforcement Phone: 517-241-9309

Email: LARA-BCC-Compliance@Michigan.Gov

Fax: 517-241-0130

The Enforcement Section reviews and investigates complaints against residential builders, maintenance and alteration contractors,  electricians, mechanical contractors, plumbers, boiler and elevator licensees, mobile home parks and dealers, local governmental code enforcing agencies, and alleged non-compliance to barrier free design requirements. Examples of such complaints may be negligence resulting in physical harm to a consumer, performing work without a permit or proper licensure, and fraud or deceit in the performance of work.

NOTE: The Bureau of Construction Codes does not have legal authority over contractual, monetary, or warranty issues nor does the bureau have authority to conduct criminal prosecution.

NOTE: Information for filing complaints against mobile home parks or dealers can be found on our Mobile Home page.

 

FILING A COMPLAINT

Filing a complaint with the Bureau is not the only option. Complainants may opt for an informal resolution between them and the contractor, formally through the courts or by other agencies. If a complaint has been files with the Bureau and resolution is sought through the legal system, please advise the office immediately.

Complaints received by the Bureau where a local code enforcing agency has jurisdiction over the allegations described in the complaint may be forwarded to the local jurisdiction. Therefore, for areas where code authority is enforced at the local or county level, contact should first be made with that agency to see if the matter can be resolved with them before submitting to the state. 

Note:  Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing have three levels of enforcement jurisdiction (state, county, local). To determine the appropriate level for your area, visit the Bureau's Statewide Jurisdiction List.

Complaints to the Bureau must be made in writing by one of the following methods:

Complaints to the Bureau should contain the following information:

  • Name, address and phone number of company/person filing complaint (Complainant) - unless wishing to file anonymously
  • Job Location
  • Township, city, village and county of job location
  • Name and address of company/person the complaint is against (Respondent)
  • Name of the individual(s) you dealt with at the company
  • License number of company/person, if known
  • What you hired the person/company to do
  • What was wrong with the work that was performed
  • If equipment was installed, was a permit obtained and/or inspections performed? If so, provide the permit number
  • Copies of any correspondence you sent or hand delivered to the respondent
  • Copies of any written response received from the respondent. If you received a verbal response only, indicate who you spoke with, what you were told, and the date
  • Copies of any substantiating documentation which support your complaint which may include, but are not limited to:
    • Purchase agreement/contracts/price quotations/estimates/invoices
    • Notes you may have taken
    • Permit and inspection records from the local unit of government
    • Advertisements
    • Proof of payment for work performed (canceled check, receipt, closing statement)
    • Clear photographs showing the alleged violation and the date the photos were taken
    • Court documents, if applicable

Note: Do not include any information you do not want released to the respondent (i.e. social security numbers, other personal information). Do not send bulky material. Originals will not be returned. Additional information will be requested if needed. Keep copies of all documents sent to the Bureau.

Most complaints will be handled in the order they are received. Priority will be given to complaints where the situation appears to be life threatening or circumstances exist which might be hazardous to the public. Final determinations are based on fact, so we are unable to provide a timeframe for the length of the investigation. In general, the process is as follows:

  • A complaint is received, logged and assigned a file number
  • An acknowledgement letter is sent to the Complainant upon receipt
  • Based on the information provided, the complaint is reviewed to determine jurisdiction and if a violation of the statutes or rules or occurred, if an investigation will be initiated, or if additional information is required. 
  • If a local code enforcing agency has jurisdiction, the complaint may be referred to that agency for review and action
  • The Respondent will be notified of the allegations and a written response will be requested.
  • If the investigation determines the law or rules may have been violated, an informal compliance conference is scheduled with the Respondent to discuss the allegations
  • If an agreement is not reached at the informal compliance conference, the matter is forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for review and possible formal administrative hearing.
  • At the conclusion of the investigation, the Complainant will be notified of the findings and determinations made regarding their complaint. 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

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