Lien in California
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
California requires preliminary notice to owners and general contractors and imposes a 90-day filing deadline for mechanic's liens.
How California treats Lien
California contractors and suppliers must provide preliminary notice (sometimes called a '20-day notice') to the property owner and general contractor before or within a short window after starting work to preserve full lien rights. The mechanic's lien must be filed within 90 days of the last date the claimant furnished labor, materials, or services to the project. California law is strict about notice requirements; failure to provide proper preliminary notice may eliminate the lien right entirely or reduce recovery to amounts actually paid by the owner. California also recognizes stop-notice rights, which allow unpaid claimants to intercept construction loan disbursements as an alternative to filing a lien.
The general definition of Lien
A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
A lien gives someone the right to hold or sell another person's property if a debt isn't paid. For instance, a mechanic who fixes your car might place a lien on it, meaning you can't sell or transfer the car until you pay the repair bill. The person holding the lien doesn't own the property, but they have a legal interest in it that must be satisfied before the owner can freely sell it.
Read the full Lien entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.