California Construction Lien FAQ

In California, a mechanics lien must be recorded within 90 days after completion of the work, or sooner if a Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is recorded. Missing this deadline permanently eliminates lien rights.

Yes. California requires a Preliminary 20-Day Notice on nearly all private construction projects. Failure to send this notice is one of the most common reasons liens are invalid.

General contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, equipment rental companies, laborers, restoration contractors, and design professionals may file liens if they improve property and are unpaid.

If you miss the lien recording deadline, your lien rights are permanently lost and cannot be restored.

California liens are recorded with the County Recorder in the county where the property is located.

A California mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 90 days of recording the lien, unless the deadline is extended by a Notice of Credit.

A valid California construction lien must include the legal description of the property, the property owner’s name,the claimant’s name and address, and the name of the party who hired the claimant. The lien must also state the first and last dates labor, materials, or services were furnished, provide a general description of the work performed or materials supplied, and list the total amount unpaid. In addition, California requires the lien to be verified under oath and include specific statutory language. Failure to include the required information or verification can render the lien invalid.

If the customer pays you the full amount owed after you have recorded a lien, you have a legal obligation to formally clear the lien from the property records.

You must prepare and file a California Discharge of Lien (or Release of Lien) with the same office where the original lien was recorded.