The investigation into the single-family house in Chula Vista was launched in January by the Department of Social Services after the state agency received a complaint of “unlicensed care” being provided at the home.

The complaint was lodged in the wake of a kitchen fire at the four-bedroom home on Jan. 14.

Chula Vista fire officials said the blaze was quickly extinguished and that no one was hurt.

Michael Weston, deputy director of public affairs and outreach programs for the social services department, has said details about the complaint, including who filed it, are confidential.

Lou El-Khazen, code enforcement manager for the city of Chula Vista, told the Union-Tribune in January that his office would inform the state department of the blaze.

As part of the state investigation, two social services department officials who oversee licensing interviewed and assessed three tenants to determine if they could independently take care of their daily needs, according to a complaint investigation report.

Two of the tenants also were interviewed and evaluated by a mental health professional from another public government agency, who determined both were considered independent, according to the report.

Based on the interviews and assessments, officials determined the home is an independent living facility and, therefore, does not need a state license to operate.

The outcome of the investigation was shared with the home owner and facility operator, Amparo Morales, last month, according to the report.

In a brief interview outside the home in January, a woman who identified herself as Amparo Morales told the Union-Tribune her home was an independent living facility, which she said she ran to help pay her mortgage.

“If I am independent living, I am free,” she said, referring to state oversight. “If you are with the license — too much hassle.”

According to records, the licensed residential care facility Morales ran until 2012 amassed several violations, including unsanitary living conditions over the years.