How to File an AZ ROC Complaint — Step-by-Step

AZ Registrar of Contractors (ROC) processes ~4,000 contractor

complaints per year. Roughly 65% result in some form of remedy

for the homeowner — but only when the complaint is properly

documented + filed.

Here's the process.

Before filing: try direct resolution

ROC requires "good faith effort" to resolve before filing. Document:

• Written notice to the contractor (certified mail, return

receipt). State the issue + your remedy request + a deadline

(10-14 business days typical).

• Their response (or lack thereof).
• Photo evidence of the problem.

Save copies of EVERYTHING. Originals stay with you.

Step 1: File the complaint (online)

AZ ROC complaint portal: azroc.gov/complaints

Required information:

1. Contractor name + ROC license number
2. Date work began + completed (or stopped)
3. Contract amount + payments made
4. Detailed description of the problem
5. Photo / document evidence
6. Your remedy request (refund, repair, completion)

Filing fee: $0 (no cost).

Step 2: ROC investigation (30-90 days)

ROC assigns an investigator who:

• Reviews your evidence + the contractor's response
• May visit the property
• Issues a preliminary finding

Your job during investigation:

• Respond promptly to investigator requests (24-48 hours)
• Keep records of all communication
• Don't authorize the contractor to "fix" the work without ROC

sign-off — you'll lose your case

Step 3: Resolution (one of three paths)

1. Negotiated resolution. Most common — the contractor agrees

to fix or refund.

1. ROC arbitration hearing. Formal hearing if no agreement.

Typically 60-90 days after filing.

1. Recovery Fund claim. If contractor is insolvent or

judgment-proof. ROC's Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund

can pay up to $30,000 per case.

What wins ROC complaints

From ROC public case data 2024-2025:

• Photo evidence with timestamps (90%+ win rate)
• Written contract specifying scope + price
• Permits + inspection records
• Independent expert report (another roofer's opinion)
• Communication trail (texts, emails, certified mail)

What loses ROC complaints

• "Verbal agreement only" (no written contract)
• "He started but didn't finish" without specifics
• Photos taken months after completion
• No demonstrated good-faith resolution attempt
• Contractor dispute about scope ambiguity

Recovery Fund claim specifics

If the contractor is judgment-proof:

1. Get an arbitration award OR civil judgment first
2. Submit Recovery Fund claim within 2 years
3. ROC investigates fund eligibility
4. Payment up to $30,000 per case ($60,000 lifetime per contractor)

The Recovery Fund pays for "actual damages" — generally the cost

to complete or repair the work.

Match with a verified AZ ROC contractor → never need this guide