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The Arizona Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund
Source: Arizona Plumbing Help (arizonaplumbinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
- The Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund covers residential property only, and pays actual damages caused by a licensed residential contractor's violation (A.R.S. 32-1132.01).
- The maximum individual award is $30,000.
- If you paid a deposit and no work was done, damages are the deposit plus 10 percent a year interest, up to $30,000.
(source: Arizona State Legislature)
The fund will not pay more than $200,000 in total for any one residential contractor's license, and a contractor whose claim is paid is suspended until the fund is repaid with interest (A.R.S. 32-1139). (source: Arizona State Legislature)
What ROC says about claims
- ROC says you can recover a maximum of $30,000 per residence, and the maximum payout per residential contractor's license is $200,000 (A.R.S. 32-1132.01(D) and 32-1139(A)).
- Before a fund claim, the contractor's license must be suspended or revoked as a direct result of your complaint, and you must first file a claim against the contractor's license bond and get a final determination (A.R.S. 32-1133.01(F)).
- An administrative claim must be submitted within two years after all proceedings, reviews and appeals connected with the Registrar's final order end (A.R.S. 32-1133.01(G)).
- A civil claim must be filed no later than two years after the date of the act, or from the date of occupancy (A.R.S. 32-1133(A)).
(source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors)
ROC: (602) 542-1525, or toll free 1-877-692-9762 (the 877 number works only from outside Maricopa County, according to the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide phone directory; inside Maricopa County, call (602) 542-1525). Customer service hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. (source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors) (source: Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide)
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Arizona? · Tankless water heater permits in Arizona · Gas line permits in Arizona cities · Plumbing jobs that need no permit in Arizona cities · Can I do my own plumbing in Arizona? · When does an Arizona contractor need a license? · Arizona contractor contract rules · How to check an Arizona contractor and complain · The Arizona Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Arizona State Legislature (Arizona Revised Statutes): A.R.S. 32-1132.01 (recovery fund awards) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Arizona State Legislature (Arizona Revised Statutes): A.R.S. 32-1139 (recovery fund limit per license) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund (checked November 2, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): File a Complaint (checked November 2, 2026)
- Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide: State Agency Phone Numbers (checked November 2, 2026)
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