Where to Complain If a Construction Company Deceived You

What should you do if a construction company violates the contract?

If a construction company has taken your money but failed to deliver the apartment, delayed the project, refused to refund payment, or handed over a property with defects, you should act in writing and collect evidence. Verbal promises such as “we will fix everything next week” are not legal protection — they are just premium-grade fog.

First, collect the contract, payment receipts, bank transfers, correspondence, advertising materials, photos, and videos of the property. Then you can send a written claim to the company and, depending on the situation, file complaints with state authorities or go to court.

1. Send a written claim to the construction company

The first step is to send a formal written claim to the construction company. The claim should state:

• when the contract was signed;
• how much money was paid;
• what obligation was violated;
• what deadline was missed;
• what you demand: refund, transfer of the apartment, defect repair, penalty, or contract termination.

This document may later become important evidence in court or before state authorities.

2. Complaint to the Consumer Protection Department

If the buyer is acting as a consumer, they may file a complaint with consumer protection authorities. The Law of Kazakhstan “On Consumer Protection” sets out the legal framework for protecting consumers of goods, works, and services.

A complaint may be submitted electronically through eOtinish/eGov. According to eGov, an electronic application is submitted after authorization, completion of the form, signing with an electronic digital signature, and sending it to the relevant state body.

This route is suitable when the company refuses to provide services, return money, disclose information, or correct defects.

3. Complaint to the State Architectural and Construction Control Department

If the issue concerns construction quality, illegal construction, deviation from the project, missing permits, or safety of the building, the complaint should be filed with the State Architectural and Construction Control Department in the region where the property is located.

Kazakhstan’s law on architectural, urban planning, and construction activities regulates construction-related requirements and compliance in this field.

It is advisable to attach photos, videos, inspection notes, the contract, correspondence, and a clear description of the defects.

4. Complaint to the local akimat

You may also contact the local akimat if the construction project is frozen, the building is not being commissioned, there are doubts about permits, or the developer is violating the rights of many buyers.

The akimat may forward the complaint to relevant departments, request information about the property, and review the legality of the construction within its authority.

5. Report to the police

If the construction company obtained money through deception, provided false information, sold a non-existent apartment, used fake documents, or disappeared after receiving payment, the situation may contain signs of fraud.

Under the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, fraud is associated with taking another person’s property or acquiring rights to property through deception or abuse of trust.

A police report can also be submitted online. eGov states that the online police application service requires authorization through an electronic digital signature and allows users to describe the complaint and track its status.

6. Complaint to the prosecutor’s office

A complaint to the prosecutor’s office is usually filed if the police fail to act, refuse to properly review the case, classify everything as a “civil dispute” without checking the facts, or if there are many victims.

The complaint should explain where you already applied, what response you received, why you believe the inaction is unlawful, and what kind of review you request.

7. Court claim

If you need to recover money, claim penalties, terminate the contract, force the company to deliver the apartment, or demand repair of defects, the main legal route is filing a court claim.

Through court, you may request:

• refund of the paid amount;
• termination of the contract;
• penalty for delay;
• compensation for damages;
• repair of construction defects;
• transfer of the apartment or property;
• compensation for moral damage.

If there is a risk that the company may transfer assets or withdraw funds, it may be reasonable to request interim measures from the court.

What documents are needed?

For a complaint or court claim, prepare:

• contract with the construction company;
• additional agreements;
• receipts, checks, bank transfers;
• WhatsApp, Telegram, or email correspondence;
• advertisements, brochures, screenshots of the website;
• photos and videos of the property;
• written claim to the company;
• responses from state authorities;
• property-related documents, if available.

Conclusion

If a construction company deceives you, do not rely only on phone calls with managers. Fix the violation, collect evidence, send a written claim, and then choose the correct legal route: construction quality issues go to architectural and construction control, consumer rights issues go to consumer protection authorities, possible fraud goes to the police, and money recovery usually requires a court claim.

FAQ

Where should I complain if a developer delays the apartment delivery?

First, send a written claim to the developer. If there is no result, you may contact consumer protection authorities, the local akimat, architectural and construction control, or file a court claim.

Can I recover my money through court?

Yes. If the construction company violated the contract, you may claim a refund, penalties, damages, and other compensation through court.

When should I contact the police?

You should contact the police if there are signs of deception: the company took money and disappeared, sold a non-existent property, used false documents, or never intended to fulfill its obligations.

Where should I complain about poor construction quality?

Complaints about poor construction quality should be filed with the State Architectural and Construction Control Department where the property is located.

Is a written claim required before going to court?

A written claim is not always mandatory, but it strengthens your position and shows that you tried to resolve the dispute before filing a lawsuit