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CA  ·  Mechanic's Lien Guide

California Mechanic's Lien Warning Requirements for Contractors

Know your deadlines before you lose your rights. California lien law in plain English — no legalese, no fluff.

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Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Verify current deadlines with your state's contractor board or a construction attorney before relying on any figure here.
Key Deadlines

California Lien Law at a Glance

📅
Lien Filing Deadline
90 days from project completion or last furnishing (60 days if a Notice of Completion or Cessation is recorded)
from completion of the project or cessation of labor/materials
⚠️
Preliminary Notice
Required
20 days from first furnishing labor or materials
📋
Notice to Owner
Required
Preliminary Notice required. Must be served on owner, general contractor, and construction lender (if any).
👷
Who Can File
Direct contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment lessors, licensed contractors
⚠️ Preliminary Notice Required

California's Preliminary Notice Requirement

All contractors (except direct-hire laborers and original contractors on owner-occupied residential) must serve a Preliminary Notice within 20 days of first furnishing. Late service limits rights to labor/materials furnished 20 days before notice was served.

Deadline: 20 days from first furnishing labor or materials
Commercial vs Residential

Does the Property Type Change Your Deadline?

Same preliminary notice requirements apply. Residential projects involving owner-occupied property have some additional protections for homeowners. Verify with local counsel for owner-occupied residential work.

Common Mistakes

What Contractors Get Wrong in California

1
Serving the Preliminary Notice late and losing coverage for earlier work
2
Missing the shortened 60-day deadline when a Notice of Completion is recorded
3
Not serving all required parties: owner, GC, and construction lender

Don't Lose Money Because of a Missing Form

The Contractor Pack includes a lien waiver template plus 6 other forms every contractor needs — estimates, invoices, change orders, subcontractor agreements, and more. One-time payment, yours forever.

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FAQ

California Lien Law Questions

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This is general information, not legal advice. Verify current deadlines with your state's contractor board or a construction attorney. JobPapers sells document organization tools — we are not attorneys and do not provide legal services.