# How to file a consumer complaint?

> In these tough economic times, we know that every dollar you spend is precious. The Government of the District of Columbia wants to be sure you are getting e...

Source: https://dob.kustomer.help/en_us/how-to-file-a-consumer-complaint-B1U9ocDeo

Last updated: 2022-11-15T21:50:03.346Z

In these tough economic times, we know that every dollar you spend is precious. The Government of the District of Columbia wants to be sure you are getting exactly what you pay for. Here residents and visitors of the District can get consumer protection information, research businesses, file a complaint, as well as find links to other helpful offices and information.

**Visit [**https://dcra.dc.gov/consumer-protection**](https://dcra.dc.gov/consumer-protection).. Choose what category you wish to file your complaint - options are shown below.**

### **File a Complaint about a Business**

### **Report An Unlicensed Rental**

### **File or Track a Complaint with Professional Licensing**

### **File a Complaint with Weights & Measures**

### **File a Zoning Complaint**

  

 **Important Information Regarding Office of Consumer Protection Complaints:**

**Consumer Protection Unit:**

*   **can investigate “consumer” complaints only**
*   **investigates cases where the goods or services offered by the business were sought by the complainant for personal use**
*   **has no authority to investigate business-to-business transactions**
*   **has no authority to investigate landlord-tenant complaints**

  

Once Consumer Protection Unit receives your complaint you will be contacted by an assigned investigator. The investigator will review your complaint and take action on behalf of the consuming public as appropriate.  We may refer any complaint to another agency or, depending on the nature of your claim, we may communicate with the business or owner involved before responding to you.  DOB Consumer Protection Unit does not act as a judge in the dispute and cannot force the business to reimburse you or comply in any other way.  

 We do respond to complaints.  Most of our communication is by phone or e-mail.  We deal with a large number of complaints each day, and thorough reviews take time.  Understand that you will not receive an immediate reply from our office. CPU’s investigation process can take up to 30 days, depending on the communication with both the complainant and respondent.

Your complaint helps to inform us about problems facing District of Columbia consumers and about companies which may be operating fraudulently in our City.  Even if the matter is resolved, forwarding a statement of your experience, with relevant documentation, might help us establish a pattern of unlawful business practices against this company.

  

  

  

  

  

### **Submit a Complaint for Trash Truck Noise**

### **Verify a Basic Business License**