California Assisted Living Complaint Resources
How to report a California assisted living facility (RCFE). Immediate reporting tools, residents' rights, and legal advocacy for residents and families.
Reviewed by Nick Kassatly, Esq. · Published June 30, 2026 · Updated July 23, 2026
California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
California Adult Protective Services
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community or in assisted living.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Serving as an advocacy program to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities, including assisted living.
To report an assisted living facility in California, contact California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division at 1-844-538-8766 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at 1-800-231-4024.
If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving in a California assisted living facility, you have the right to file a complaint with the state — and you can do so anonymously. In California, assisted living facilities are licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and are regulated separately from skilled nursing homes.
Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in California
RCFEs are licensed and investigated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not federally certified by Medicare, so the state — not the federal government — is the primary authority for complaints, inspections, and enforcement.
How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in California
You can report a suspected violation to the CCLD Complaint Hotline at 1-844-538-8766 (1-844-LET-US-NO), by email at letusno@dss.ca.gov, or through the online complaint form. Complaints can be made orally or in writing, and you may remain anonymous. Provide as much detail as possible — resident names, dates, times, and what you observed — so investigators can act quickly.
Memory Care and Dementia Care in California
Many California RCFEs serve residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Facilities that care for residents with dementia must meet additional staff-training and disclosure requirements and describe their dementia-care program in writing. Complaints about a memory care unit follow the same process and go to the same CCLD hotline above.
CaliforniaAssisted Living Regulations & Resources
How California Licenses Assisted Living
California licenses assisted living facilities as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) under the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Memory care is provided within RCFEs that meet additional dementia-care training and disclosure requirements.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
In California, the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence or abuse claims is generally 2 years from the date of injury. If the claim is classified as professional negligence, a different deadline may apply, and a discovery rule may extend the time in some cases. It is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Resident Bill of Rights
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly — Residents' Bill of Rights
View Full StatuteComplaint Types Investigated
Abuse and neglect, medication errors, inadequate staffing, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, financial exploitation, improper evictions or transfers, and violations of residents' rights.
What Happens After You File
Investigation Timeline
After receiving a complaint, the Community Care Licensing Division generally conducts an onsite inspection within 10 days. Complaints alleging an immediate threat to resident health or safety are prioritized and investigated more quickly.
Unannounced Inspections
Complaint inspections of RCFEs are conducted unannounced so investigators can observe conditions as they normally are.
Complainant Notification
If you provide your contact information, the Community Care Licensing Division will notify you of the outcome of the investigation. Anonymous complainants will not receive a follow-up.
Enforcement Actions
If violations are substantiated, the Department of Social Services can issue citations and civil penalties, require a plan of correction, and in serious cases suspend or revoke the facility's license.
Anonymous Complaints
Yes, you can file an assisted living complaint anonymously in California. The Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division accepts anonymous complaints, and your identity as a complainant is protected. Providing your contact information allows investigators to follow up for additional details, which can strengthen the investigation.
Official Sources
- Complaint filing — California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division: complaints.ccld.dss.ca.gov
- Resident rights — Cal. Health & Saf. Code § 1569.269: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- California Long-Term Care Ombudsman: aging.ca.gov
- Mailing address — California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division: Community Care Licensing Division, 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an assisted living complaint in California anonymously?expand_more
How quickly does California investigate assisted living complaints?expand_more
What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living complaint in California?expand_more
Not Sure Where to Start?
Speak with an advocate who can guide you through the reporting process and help evaluate your family's legal options.